Elementary and Secondary
Physical Education Purpose
Physical activity for children and youth
For children and teens to grow up healthy, it’s important they are physically active and eat healthy foods every day.
To help children develop habits that will last a lifetime, an active, healthy lifestyle must start early in life. Physical activity has benefits at every age, and helps kids:
Keep their heart and lungs strong and healthy,
Become more flexible,
Develop strong bones,
Keep a healthy body weight,
Lower the risk of several diseases and health problems,
Improve their mood and self-esteem, and
Do better in school
Healthy Bodies
Emotional wellness
Health care for children and youth
Healthy eating
Healthy habits
Healthy home
Activities and Sports
Children (5-9 years)
Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity , including:
Vigorous-intensity activities at least 2 days a week.
Activities that strengthen muscle and bone.
Sports should have short instruction times, flexible rules, offer free time in practices, and focus on fun.
Playing tag, walking to school, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, skating and skiing.
Children (10-12 years)
Children reach puberty at different times. Physical size, strength and maturity vary widely for this age group.
Usually ready to participate in team sports that focus on skill development, equal participation and fun.
Can start strength training with lighter weights and proper supervision.
Other ideas after school : martial arts, hiking, pushups (with knees on floor), sit-ups.
Teens (13-17 years)
Activities should be fun and include friends. Teens are ready to focus on:
Personal fitness (a fitness class after school)
Active transportation (walking, cycling)
Household chores,
Competitive and non-competitive sports (a game of pick-up basketball), and
Other ideas after school : canoeing, hiking, rollerblading, yard work and games that require throwing and catching.
Resources:
Grade 7 Health Education Components Booklet.
Grade 8 Health Education Component Booklet.