Educators play a crucial role in fostering our pupils' lifelong love for physical activity. Keeping kids engaged and active can be challenging when the weather turns cold. However, with some creativity and strategic planning, we can ensure that our pupils get the recommended 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily at school and at home. Here's how you can inspire and motivate your pupils to stay active, regardless of the season.
The importance of daily physical activity
The NHS guidelines recommend that children and young adults engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This vital exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances mental well-being. Encouraging physical activity also sets the stage for a healthier lifestyle into adulthood.
Strategies for keeping your pupils active during school time
-Incorporate physical activity into the daily schedule
Design a daily routine with short bursts of physical activity throughout the day. Simple exercises such as stretching, jumping jacks, or a quick dance session can keep energy levels and minds sharp. Brain breaks and movement activities between lessons can make a significant difference in maintaining pupils' focus and enthusiasm.
-Use indoor spaces creatively
When outdoor activities aren't feasible, creatively use indoor spaces. Transform classrooms, hallways, or the gym into activity zones. Set up obstacle courses, relay races, or indoor sports like badminton or floor hockey. Focus on activities that maximize movement in limited space.
-Take advantage of technology
Leverage technology to keep pupils engaged. Utilise video-based workouts or fitness apps designed for classrooms. Platforms like GoNoodle offer fun and interactive physical activities tailored for kids. Incorporating technology can make physical activity sessions exciting and varied.
-Integrate physical activity with learning
Combine physical activity with curriculum content. Activities such as "Maths on the Move', where pupils solve math problems through movement-based activities, or "Reading Relay", where pupils read passages during a relay race, can make learning fun and dynamic. These integrated activities keep pupils physically active while reinforcing academic concepts.
-Encourage pupil leadership
Empower pupils by letting them lead physical activities. Assign pupils as 'Activity Leaders' and allow them to guide the class through their favourite exercises or games. This not only builds leadership skills but also motivates them to participate enthusiastically.
Motivating Kids to Stay Active at Home
-Share resources with parents
Provide parents with resources and ideas for keeping their children active at home. Share online workout videos, printable activity guides, and suggestions for indoor games. Communication through newsletters, emails, or school websites can keep parents informed and engaged.
A helpful guide for winter activities for children to enjoy.
-Home activity challenges
Create home activity challenges and incentivise participation. Assign weekly challenges that pupils can complete at home, such as 'Family Dance Night' or 'Indoor Scavenger Hunt.' Encourage pupils to share photos or stories of their activities with the class.
-Promote family involvement
Encourage pupils to involve their families in physical activities. Provide ideas for activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as taking a winter walk, playing indoor boot camp games, or participating in a virtual family yoga session. When families are involved, it reinforces the importance of staying active together.
-Set up activity logs
Ask pupils to keep a daily activity log, recording their physical activities and time spent on them. Reviewing these logs in class can help pupils stay accountable and recognise the benefits of regular physical activity. Offer praise and rewards for consistent effort.
Conclusion
Keeping kids active during the colder months may require ingenuity, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Incorporating these strategies into your classroom and encouraging physical activity at home can help your pupils meet their daily exercise goals, maintain their health, and develop a love for staying active year-round.
As educators, we can uniquely inspire lifelong habits in our pupils. Let's use this winter to cultivate a culture of health and physical activity, ensuring our pupils thrive physically and academically.
Provide your pupils with the tools and motivation to stay active and healthy, no matter the weather. Let's make this winter a growth, movement, and joy season.