Working out your children
The pros and cons of physical activity in the classroom
Physical activity is something that should be incorporated into every child’s daily routine. There are many benefits to exercise and once children get the motivation to play it can affect their present and future health.
It has been proven that regular exercise helps children improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. It can also help with building stronger bones and muscles, reduce mental health issues, control weight and decrease the risk of a number of the following conditions:
- Heart Disease / Heart Attacks
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Sugar
These, however, are only some of the benefits. Not partaking in regular physical activity can significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, a number of cancers, cardiovascular disease and energy imbalances to name a few, all of which can lead to other health consequences later in life.
Children who regularly exercise have been shown to achieve better academic grades and demonstrate improved cognitive performance (concentration, memory, focus etc…) This can affect the overall environment in the classroom which can not only be beneficial for student learning but also the teachers.
In 2017-2018 the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Health Survey had evidence that ⅔ of Australian adults were obese. That is 12.5 million people (67%) which is a 3.6% increase from 2014-2015 (63.4%). Despite an increase in the 1980’s and 1990’s child obesity on average has remained quite steady, with 23 – 24% of Australian’s under 18 classified as overweight over the past 10 years. To help get these numbers down everyone should do their part and get children involved in sport anyway they can.
How to get kids involved in exercise
The ever-increasing reliance for kids to be on-line and use digital devices means that some kids don’t seem to have any incentive to do anything but play video games. Giving them a small push can really help give them the motivation they need to exercise. Here are some ideas that may help
- Exercise as transportation – Use a classroom/oval further away from where you start so that the kids must do a bit of walking or running to get to where you need to go
- Fun is #1 – Make sure that everything is focused around having fun and kids should hopefully want to take part
- Friendly competition – Have a prize and make it competitive
- Classroom activity/Brain breaks – If you finish class early (or if you have some time in class) get the kids to do an inside activity. An example of an activity is stretching or meditation or even getting kids to do some deep breathing for five minutes can be really good for them. Try searching the web for a range of Brain Breaks and you will find a full number of options available.
Hoop Hop Fun – How to play
Equipment you need – Hula Hoops & Cones
Setting Up – Grab your hula hoops and lay them down from one side of the room to another (try to not make it a straight course – mix it up). Get 2 groups together and put each team at different ends in a line.
How to play – Blow a whistle to start the game and let the kids know that when the whistle is blown again, they must stop where they are. Each team sends one player at a time from their end towards the other team. They must hop in each hoop until the 2 players from different teams meet. Once they reach each other they play rock, paper, scissors and whoever wins can continue. The loser must return to their team at the back of the line. The losing team can send out their next player as soon as their player is knocked out.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Kidzphyz Sports offers a range of PE and sport based programs, delivered in person and virtually. Programs include PE classes, fitness workshops, school holiday sports camps, holiday programs, clinics and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Sport Staff One is Australia’s Largest Network of Coaches & Umpires. We believe in developing grassroots and school sport so everyone has the opportunity to play and experience the positive ideals of physical activity. For every goal scored, run made and try put down; SSO are here so you can experience it.