Why Movement is Essential for Good Health

Too often, physical activity is presented as exercise, exercise, and more exercise. Exercise is great; however, there are many ways to get the benefits of exercise and have fun at the same time! The lessons in this unit encourage kids to play, participate in a game or sport, and do leisure activities such as going for a walk for their physical activity. They will think about ways they can choose to move many times, many ways, and in many places each day. It all adds up—what's most important is that youth get the recommended hour or more of physical activity throughout the day. For more ideas on fun ways to add movement to your day, read 8 Sneaky Ways to Keep Kids Moving.

Ask the kids to stand up and run in place or sit an move their legs or arms up and down for 15 seconds. Then, have them tell a partner how their body feels. Can they hear their heart pounding? Are their bodies feeling warmer or colder? Let’s talk about movement!

To use this with your students click here.

Compare Animal Movements to Kids' Movements

Talk about different ways that various animals move. Ask students to compare their physical activity to each animal’s movement.

Learn About the Benefits of Movement

Highlight the benefits of being active:

• Movement boosts energy.
• Movement strengthens muscles and bones.
• Movement stimulates brain activity.

Check for understanding: What does moving your body do for you?

Games to Play at Recess

Make moving fun! Play a game of Follow the Leader with animal movements.

Now that we’ve learned about how movement can help our bodies and brains, let’s get ready to think about making healthy physical activity choices.