Objectives
- Describe the benefits of physical activity (e.g., energy, focus, motivation).
Info to Know
Move is physical activity. To move is to participate in a sport, play, exercise, or do a leisure activity such as walking. Health experts recommend that youth get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but you do not have to do it all at once!
One way to get essential movement in during the school day is to include brain breaks and brain boosts throughout the day. Check out 50 Educational Brain Breaks for quick and easy activities to help kids re-energize, focus, and boost brainpower!
Set The Stage
Ask kids to talk to a partner about their favorite activity. Is it a game, exercise, dance, or simply standing rather than sitting?
To use this with your students click here.
Captivate
Exercises for Kids
Do some moves!
- Stretch
- Do toe raises
- Pretend to play basketball
- Skip
- Pretend to jump rope
Educate
Benefits of Being Active
Highlight the benefits of being active throughout the day:
- Physical activity gives you energy and helps you focus.
- Moving motivates you to make nutritious food choices.
- Being active keeps you from feeling bored.
- Being active throughout the day can help you sleep better at night.
Check for understanding: What does moving do for your body and brain?
Activate
Morning Move Choices
Now that kids know how much they benefit from movement throughout the day, get them thinking about how they can start their day with movement. Students write or draw their morning move choices on the Add Move to Your Day printable. They will complete the other sections in the next lessons.
Close the Lesson
Today we learned about how being active and moving is good for our health. Next, we will learn about ways to move your body at school.
Grade: 3-5
Time: 20 Minutes
What You'll Need
Resources
Materials
- Markers
- Poster Board or White Board
- Slideshow
Health Education Standards
- Standard 1: Core Concepts–Regularly engage in physical activities to enhance body and brain
- Standard 4: Interpersonal Communication
- Standard 5: Decision-Making
Social and Emotional Learning Competencies
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Responsible Decision-Making
Extend the Lesson
- Play the fitGame, Daily Moves, to help kids think about ways to be active throughout the day.
- Play the fitGame Memory Power, to build awareness of how movement connects to learning.
- Watch the video, Be Active Every Day, to learn how movement benefits your body and brain.