Lesson

Tips to Help Kids Be Active During the Day

Let’s help kids stay fit by teaching them ways to get up and move throughout the day.

Objectives

  • Create a timeline of different activities to do to move throughout the day.

Info to Know

Too often, physical activity is presented as exercise, exercise, and more exercise. Exercise is great; however, there are many ways to get the benefits of exercise and have fun at the same time! The lessons in this unit encourage kids to play, participate in a game or sport, and do leisure activities such as going for a walk for their physical activity. They will think about ways they can choose to move many times, many ways, and in many places each day. It all adds up—what's most important is that youth get the recommended hour or more of physical activity throughout the day. For more ideas on fun ways to add movement to your day, read 8 Sneaky Ways to Keep Kids Moving.

Set The Stage

Ask kids to think about their favorite way to move. The "move" can be a dance move, an exercise, or a motor skill such as hopping. Next, have them stand in place and do the movement for 20 seconds. Then have students share and teach their movement to a partner.

View the slideshow to learn about many different ways to move throughout the day.

To use this with your students click here.

Captivate

Find Examples of Ways to Get Up and Move

Get your kids moving with a fun brain break! Play some music while kids move or dance. When the music is paused, the kids freeze in their positions.

Educate

Make a List of Your Kids' Favorite Ways to Move

Health experts recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Ten minutes here and there add up quickly!

As a class, make a list of all the ways you can move. Don't forget, moving is so much more than exercise!

Check for understanding: When and how you _ _ _ _ is up to you!

Activate

Kids Plan Ways They Will Move

Remind kids that they can add movement into their daily routine. Download the Every Day Dance Routine Printable to help kids discover ways they can add movement into everyday tasks.

Close the Lesson

Now that we’ve learned different ways to get up and move our bodies, let’s get ready to learn new ways to make moving fun.

Grade: 3-5

Time: 20 Minutes

What You'll Need

Resources

Materials
  • Markers
  • Slideshow
  • Poster Board or White Board

Health Education Standards

  • Standard 1: Core Concepts–Express feelings in a healthy way.
  • Standard 4: Interpersonal Communication 
  • Standard 5: Decision-Making

 

Social and Emotional Learning Competencies

  • Responsible Decision-Making

Extend the Lesson

View the fit Units and Lessons Scope and Sequence Chart.

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