Physical Activity and School-Age Children

Physical activity is important for our school-age children. In this article, find out how much and what kinds work best.

A child must participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. School-age children needs an hour of moderate to intense daily activity to maintain health and fitness. Exercising should be split between cardiovascular, muscle-building, and bone-building activities. For this daily tally, ensure your child has plenty of opportunity for physical activity before, during, and after school.

Physical Education in the School

It is crucial to balance academics with physical activity. It’s easier for students to concentrate when they have time to run and play before school and at recess. It is also beneficial to take two brain rests per hour or so. Another way for students to get some exercise throughout the school day is through physical education (PE). In addition to introducing new sports and games to children, this program teaches them healthy lifestyle choices.

Many children are missing out on recess and PE time, however: All but five states and the District of Columbia mandate the 150-minute weekly PE total for elementary schools, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Oregon.

Only eight states in the United States mandate daily recess in primary schools.

There should be at least 30 minutes of physical education every day for elementary school kids to meet the 150-minute weekly minimum requirement. The American Association of School Administrators also recommends that schools have at least one 20-minute recess daily.

Encourage the administrator or school board to implement more physical exercise time for your child’s school. Aside from the school day, make sure your youngster gets adequate exercise!

Youth sports

Most youngsters have gained the physical coordination and attention span necessary to participate in organized sports by the age of six or seven. Most children can handle the increased stress of team competition by the time they are 10 to 12 years old.

Sports and extracurricular activities, if they work with your schedule and budget, can help your child get the daily exercise they need. Classes and leagues emphasizing fitness, skill development, and fair play should be sought.

Try this if your child is a fan of team sports:

• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Football on a flag
• It’s time for some action! (ice, floor, or field)
• Lacrosse
• Indoor and outdoor soccer
• Softball, baseball, or t-ball.
• Volleyball

What if your youngster decides to pursue their interests?

• Dance
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Taking a ride on a horse
• Skating on ice
• Kickboxing
• Climbing a rock face
• Skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding are all examples of winter sports.

• Swimming/diving
• Tennis
• Participating in a running club or a 5-kilometer event, or competing in the track and field
• Yoga

Remember that many sports that emphasize the individual can also be played as part of a team.

Your child should be able to try as many sports as they like, so inquire about their interests. If they decide the activity is not for them, they should be allowed to stop. You and your partner may be surprised by the skills and interests each other possesses.

At Home

Do so as much time and room as you can give your children to play. Diverse physical activity should be emphasized. In addition to preventing boredom in children, varying activities allow them to exercise multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Focus on having a good time and moving about (rather than competition or “shoulds”). If you’re looking for ways to get the whole family involved in physical activity, consider these simple suggestions:

• In-line skating or riding a bicycle.
• Dance parties are held in the privacy of one’s own home
• Jumping rope or spinning a hula hoops
• Games like tag and kickball can be played outside.

• A game of Frisbee or a game of catch
• Sprinkler play, hose play, and similar water activities are all acceptable.
• Snowshoeing and sledding are popular winter activities.
• Taking a trip to the neighborhood playground
• Going for a stroll or a hike (make it more exciting with geocaching)

Meaningful articles you might like: How to Be A Successful Sports Team Coach For Your Child, At-Home Activities for Kids, 30 Toddler-Friendly Indoor and Outdoor Activities