Objectives
- Describe different ways to move throughout the day.
Lesson Plan
Too often, physical activity is presented as exercise, exercise, and more exercise. Exercise is great; however, there are many ways to move and get the benefits of exercise and have fun at the same time. What’s most important is that youth get the recommended hour or more of physical activity each day. The lessons in this unit encourage kids to play, participate in a game or sport, and do leisure activities (e.g., go for a walk). It all adds up! Make the fit choice to move many times, many ways, and in many places each day. For more ideas on fun ways to add movement to your day, read 8 Sneaky Ways to Keep Kids Moving.
Set The Stage
Have students brainstorm a list of ways they like to move or exercise. Review the list with students, showing them that there are many ways to move and that we all may enjoy different types of movement.
To use this with your students click here.
Captivate
Which Animal Would You Rather Move Like?
As you view the slideshow, ask students to stand up and show thumbs-up for their preference:
- Be as acrobatic as a chimpanzee or as fast as a cheetah?
- Be as strong as an ant or as graceful as a gazelle?
- Swim as fast as a shark or fly as high as an eagle?
Educate
Make a Plan to Move
Discuss the many choices kids have about when, where, and how they can move.
Check for understanding: When, where, and how will you move today? Tomorrow?
Activate
Move as Much as You Can
Wrap up the topic by asking students to identify ways to have fun and move throughout the day.Students plan their weekend movement activities, using the My Weekend Move Timeline printable.
Encourage students to move many times and many ways throughout their weekend days! Have them name an adult who can assist in completing the Weekend Move timeline if needed.
Close the Lesson
Today we learned about how you can move anywhere, and we made a plan to move more. Challenge your students to swap their screen time for move time.
Grade: 3-5
Time: 20 Minutes
What You'll Need
Resources
Materials
- Slideshow
- Poster Board or White Board
- Markers
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
- Play the fitGame, Fitness Fun.
- Watch the video, Be Active Every Day, to learn how moving benefits your body and brain.
- Watch the video, Stand Up Challenge, and challenge students to get moving at home and school!
- Watch the video, What Happens to Your Body When You Exercise, to learn how being active benefits your body.