2. What are some of the benefits for children
between the 5 and 12 years of age to be
physically active?
* Promote healthy growth and development
• Build strong bones and muscles.
• Improve balance and develop skills.
• Maintain and develop flexibility.
• Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Help relaxation.
• Improve posture.
• Provide opportunities to make friends.
• Improve self-esteem.
3. Some concerning statistics of children and
adults who are not physically active from the
WHO (World Health Organisation).
• Estimates that at least 60% of
the global population does not
achieve the recommendation of
30 minutes of moderate-
intensity daily physical activity.
• Estimates that physical inactivity
causes 2 million deaths worldwide
annually.
• Physical activity and education is
declining in schools worldwide.
• Of particular concern is the
increasing incidence of child
obesity.
• Department of Health and Ageing
issued physical activity
recommendations for 5-12 year
old and 12-18 years old (DoHA,
2004).
• 60 minutes of combined
moderate and vigorous physical
activity per day.
• 31% are not meeting these
recommendations.
4. How can we encourage kids to be active
and healthy at home and in school?
• Make physical activity a fun part
of their daily routine.
• Put time limits on the use of
electronic media for
entertainment (e.g. computer
games, TV, internet). Children
should not spend more than two
hours a day on these activities!
• Eating a wide variety of
nutritious foods.
• Offering a range of physical
activities, some ideas →
Brisk
walk/running
A bike ride
Ball games Dancing
Organised
sports
Swimming
5. It is proven that
“students who
are well-
nourished and
physically active
are better able to
reach their
academic
potential and
exhibit positive
behaviours in the
classroom.”
6. Let’s work together!
At school our aim in teaching PDHPE is to
develop in each student the knowledge,
understanding, skills and values, and attitudes
needed to lead healthy active and fulfilling
lives.
With the support of parents, we can achieve a
healthy schooling community that will build
confidence in the children and a healthy
outlook in their adulthood.
