Objectives
- Describe ways to add movement to everyday activities.
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
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 activities.
To use this with your students click here.
Captivate
Make Movements Out of Everyday Tasks
Watch the video showing many ways to make moving fun. Invite students to dance along!Educate
Moving is More Than Exercise
Highlight key points:
- Some think move 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?
Activate
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!
Close the Lesson
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.
Grade: K-2
Time: 20 Minutes
What You'll Need
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.
- Move and sing along with I Can Move Myself from the fit song playlist.
- 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.