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.