Objectives
- Describe different ways to move many times, many ways, and in many places each 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
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 or show thumbs-up for their preference.
Would you rather:
- 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 sailfish 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. Have them do the fit Moves Word Search as a fun way to get kids thinking about different ways they can add movement to their day.
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 Move Challenge Tracker 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 Move Challenge Tracker if needed. Print the fitBoost cards for families to get moving together!
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
- Plan to Move During Your Day - Slideshow
- Move Challenge Tracker - Printable
- fit Moves Word Search - Printable
- fit Field Day: An Inclusive Workout for Kids - Video
- fit Field Day: An Inclusive Workout for Kids (Español) - Video
- fitBoost Cards - Printable
- fitBoost in Place: Printable Seated Movement Cards - Printable
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.