Daily Physical Activity
What is Daily Physical Activity?
Daily Physical Activity (DPA) is planned and spontaneous physical activity that people do on a daily basis.
Activities could vary in intensity and type, they can be quick, simple, functional, and performed within a limited amount of space (i.e. the classroom!). Research shows that DPA contributes to better overall physical, mental, and social well-being at all ages. Active children are more likely to participate in physical activity as adults, meaning they will stay healthy long after they have left the school environment.
Source and more information: Daily Physical Activity Interactive Reference Guide, page 4.
All across Quebec, teachers are working with students to be active citizens that make a positive difference in their school and wider community.
Why be Physically Active?
Why include more movement into the school day? For starters, the answer includes an appreciation for the many ways that students – and everyone – can benefit from physical activity beyond just the oft-cited physical health benefits (which remain important, of course). The truth is, through almost any lens – whether it be physical health, cognitive functioning and learning, self-regulation, building community in the classroom and social skills development, developing physical literacy, or increasing levels of student engagement in learning – movement can help.
Teacher Tools for Physical Activity
Juggling LES: Juggling – Manipulation 101 (Teacher Guide)
Students perform a sequence of object manipulation skills. A variety of equipment (e.g. juggling equipment, basketballs, mini volleyballs) is available to enable them to make
Parkour – LES, Activities, and Evaluation (Teacher and Student booklets)
The following LES is based on Parkour, an activity which started in France and today is commonly practiced in cities. In a safe environment, such
Movement Skills: Let’s Put on a Show (Teacher and Student Resources)
Teacher and student resources on the topic of performing movement skills in different physical activity settings.
Handball: Teacher and Student Resources
Activities for students to be introduced to handball.
Professional Development Resources
My Schoolyard Program
(English Electronic Version of Ma Cour, Une Monde de Plaisir) The guide “Ma cour : un monde de plaisir!” proposes an approach for creating an
Daily Physical Activity in Schools… Let’s Get a Move On!
The following is a post by guest blogger Katherine Baker, Physical Education and Health Consultant at the English Montreal School Board.
Exercising Technology: Microcontrollers in Physical Education
This blog post features the perspective of an opportunity to leverage the micro:bit’s popularity with students and to include it in physical education classes.
Learning Landscapes – Vol 10 No 2 (2017): Fostering Health and Well-Being in Education
The submissions in this issue share research, ideas, stories and programs that include individuals as young as six years-old through to seniors in long-term care.
Curated Resources
Some Twitter Channels worth following
Katherine Baker
EMSB
Robert Richard
WQSB
Joey Feith
of ThePhysicalEducator.com
Joël Bouthillette
Récit National
