Information on Encouraging Students while at School

Physical Education

  • Encourage your child to fully participate in physical education class.
  • Check with your child’s physical education teacher to see what you can do at home to help improve your child’s health and fitness level.
  • Help your child to prepared for class with comfortable clothes and athletic shoes.

During Recess

  • Encourage your child to be physically active at recess by playing games and sports.
  • Encourage your child’s school to offer walking clubs or other activity programs during recess or after school.

What about Sports?

Sports give children a chance to learn skills and be active. If your child is interested in playing a sport, give your support. Sports are not for everyone. If your child is not interested, don’t force the issue. You can encourage your child to be active in other ways like:

bicycling
walking
swimming
rollerblading
snowboarding
skateboarding
yoga
dance
karate

In Your Community: Get Active!

  • Check out what your community has to offer. Explore community education, parks & recreation programs, 4-H Youth Programs, YMCA programs and sports teams.
  • Take advantage of skate parks, bike trails, hiking routes, community pools, playgrounds and park areas, which are all great places for families to have fund and get fit together!

How Much Activity Is Healthy?

Children and adolescents need enjoyable physical activities that total 60 minutes per day. The activity can be moderate, but should make the heart beat faster and the breathing heavier than normal. Greater health benefits can be achieved by participating in activities that are more strenuous for 20 minutes or more at least three times a week.

Content adapted in collaboration with the Michigan Departments of Community Health and Education.

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