Everyday Tasks Can Get Kids Moving

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.

Ask for a student to join you at the front of the class. Have that student demonstrate how they move to tie their sneakers. After the student is done, repeat the moves and explain how much movement can be found in our everyday movements.

To use this with your students click here.

Make Movements Out of Everyday Tasks

Watch the Get Moving in the Classroom video showing many ways to make moving fun. Invite students to dance along!

Moving is More Than Exercise

Highlight key points:

• Some think physical activity is only exercise, but that's not so!
• Choose ways to move that you enjoy, and it will be easy to move throughout your day.
• Make your move a short bout of activity, ten minutes or so is fine. It all adds up!

Check for understanding: What are some of your favorite ways to move?

Create a Move Jar

Students make a move jar:

• On small pieces of paper, students write or draw favorite and fun ways to move.
• Put the pieces of paper in a jar or container.
• When it’s time to move, choose a piece of paper from the jar and have fun moving!

Optional: Print the Family Fun Jar Decor Kit activity for students to do at home with their families.

We've thought about the many ways our everyday tasks involve movement. Next, we are going to learn more about how we can make the healthy choice to add even more movement to our day.