Strategies for School and Youth Programs

Key points

  • Comprehensive school physical activity programs use a combination of strategies to increase physical activity before, during, and after school.
  • See approaches you can take, examples of what others have done, and resources.
school house graphic

Overview

Comprehensive physical activity programs may include physical education, recess, classroom physical activity, staff involvement in employee wellness programs, and family and community engagement. By implementing a comprehensive physical activity program, schools help students get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Approaches

Comprehensive physical education

Physical education (PE) is a K–12 academic subject. It provides standards-based curricula to develop students' knowledge and behaviors for physical activity, physical fitness, and motor skills. Schools can develop and carry out comprehensive PE policies for daily physical activity. This will prepare students to be physically active at school and beyond.

Opportunities before, during, and after school

In addition to quality physical education, schools can carry out recess and classroom policies to ensure students are physically active during the day. Physical activity before and after school might include:

  • Physical activity clubs.
  • Intramural programs (recreational sports for fun).
  • Interscholastic sports (competitive sports between schools).
  • Access to team and individual sports.
  • Physical activity in before- and after-school programs.

Working together

Kids playing basketball in a school gym.
Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Resources

Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendations

Comprehensive physical education

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: A Guide for Schools
How to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school physical activity programs.


Identifies key opportunities and resources for professional development to help schools implement the framework.

Inclusive School Physical Education and Physical Activity*
How to create an inclusive culture for physical education and physical activity in schools.


How 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can benefit students, teachers, and the community.

Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT)
Self-assessment and planning guide helps school districts and schools conduct clear, complete, and consistent analyses of physical education curricula.


Snapshot of current U.S. physical education practices and ways to improve physical education.

Opportunities before, during, or after school

*
Track what schools are already doing and highlight opportunities for improvement.


Describes 10 evidence-based strategies to promote and plan classroom physical activity. Also see .


List of 196 common youth activities and their estimated energy cost. It can be used for research, public health policies, and education.

*Can be used to help address equitable and inclusive access to physical activity for all Americans.

Active People, Healthy Nation. Creating an Active America, Together.

Want additional tips and resources to be active?
Learn about Active People, Healthy NationSM, ob体育’s national initiative to help people be more physically active.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)