Objectives
- Describe the benefits of physical activity (e.g., energy, focus, motivation).
Lesson Plan
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 an hour of physical activity each day, but you do not have to do it all at once! Choosing to move throughout one’s day will benefit both body and brain.
Set The Stage
Ask kids to talk to a partner about why they like recess. What is their favorite activity? How do they feel after recess?
To use this with your students click here.
Captivate
Exercises for Kids
Do some moves!
- Stand and stretch
- Stand and do toe raises
- Pretend to play basketball
- Stand and skip
- Stand and pretend to jump rope
Educate
Benefits of Being Active
Highlight the benefits of being active during the day:
- Activity gives you energy.
- You make healthier food choices.
- Being active keeps you from feeling bored and sitting on the couch.
- Being active improves your sleep at night.
Check for understanding: What does moving do for your body and brain?
Activate
Morning Move Choices
Students write or draw their morning move choices on the Add Move to Your Day printable.
Close the Lesson
Today we learned about how being active and moving can help our mood. Next, we will learn about moving 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.