Make physical activity fun. The activitiespresented in a physical activity session should be made as interesting and enjoyable as possible. It is through play that children explore, discover, express and learn about themselves and life. Physical activity sessions that focus on ‘training’ rather than enjoyment are likely to disengage students from participation. Children tire easily from activity but recover quickly. Be reasonable in the degree of physical exertion expected from students during a physical activity session.

Provide opportunities for students to develop their movement skills. Children should acquire basic fundamental movement skills (locomotion, body management and object control) in their early years of Primary school. As students move into middle primary and begin to develop specialised movement skills, they will feel more comfortable and confident participating in physical activities if they are provided with further opportunities to practise these important movement competencies.

Select developmentally appropriate activities for inclusion in your Physical Activity Education program. Children vary in their physical activity interests, strengths and needs. Provide meaningful experiences that students can relate to on a personal level. To maximise participation in physical activity, plan appropriate movement experiences that students can enjoy. Such experiences will encourage students to look forward to being physically active.

Be a positive role model and mentor. Children learn by example. Teachers send both formal and informal messages to students about the value of physical activity. What teachers say and do about physical activity can have a significant impact on the development of physical activity attitudes. Being enthusiastic about physical activity, displaying encouraging body language, and ‘joining in’ when and where possible sends positive messages to students. Positive role modelling is also demonstrated when teachers wear a hat, carry a water bottle when outdoors and apply sunscreen.

Embed physical activity throughout the curriculum and the day. Look for ways that physical activity can be integrated into all Learning Areas and make all learning as ‘active’ as possible. For example, physical activities can be used as lesson energisers or as a transition between lessons. To help inculcate a habit of physical activity in students, make physical activity a part of daily classroom routine. The schedule should be flexible to cater for interruptions to normal classroom routine. Remember, children’s physical activity requirements can be accumulated across the day through both planned and incidental movement.

Adopt strategies that provide students with the opportunity to plan, act, monitor and reflect on their physical activity practices. Having students keep a daily Physical Activity Record or Journal can help them monitor the type and amount of activity they undertake. Encourage students to reflect on their physical activity experiences: how they felt while being physically active, what they learned, what they enjoyed and valued, milestones and goals they achieved. Students also need to be provided with opportunities to celebrate their achievements.

Provide a variety of activities. Exposure to a wide variety of movement experiences will help students to retain an interest and encourage them to continue participating in physical activity. Generally, students will show signs of when they are ready to move on to another activity. Where possible, provide opportunities for students to be involved in deciding what activities and games will be undertaken, and strive to create physical activity experiences that can be shared and enjoyed with students.

Be knowledgeable and informed about physical activity. Keep up-to-date with current physical activity information and teaching and learning strategies that promote maximum participation, enjoyment and health benefit for students. All States and Territories in Australia through their Department of Education and Training and Departments of Health provide programs and informations for teaching, e.g. Activate in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Develop a knowing attitude about physical activity in students. To encourage sustained participation in physical activity, students should understand why it is good for their health and wellbeing. While engaging students in physical activity experiences encourage them to think about the reasons why they are activating. If students are educated to look beneath the surface of what they are presented with their level of awareness can be raised. Students can then apply more meaning to what, how, why, when and where they participate in movement experiences.

Develop effective management and organisational strategies that promote high activity levels and minimise ‘wait time’ during physical activity sessions. This includes keeping explanations or instructions brief, Team numbers small to maximise participation, and avoiding elimination games/activities. Effective management strategies to keep students ‘on task’ and efficient organisation of space, Teams, and equipment distribution and collection will further maximise student participation.

General Safety Guidelines for Physical Activity

Activity Space

• Activity areas should be free of obstacles to ensure student safety and provide for maximum participation.
• Check that chosen activities are appropriate for the available activity area.
• Ensure the surface of the activity area is not slippery or highly polished.
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and lit during activity.

Appropriate Clothing

• Have students dress appropriately for physical activity.
• Clothing should be comfortable and not restrict movement in any way.
• Clothing should be porous enough to allow for sweat evaporation.

Proper Footwear

• Have students wear appropriate footwear to protect their feet from hard surfaces and sharp and dangerous objects.
• Promote footwear that is rubber-soled and securely fastened.
• Backless shoes or sandals that can fall off or socks that can slip are inappropriate.

Weather Considerations

• Educate students about being SunSmart® (www.sunsmart.com.au), and consistently encourage them to put the following protective behaviours into practice when they are physically active outdoors:
  • Slip on sun protective clothing
  • Slop on SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen – highest protection available.
  • Slap on a hat (preferably broad-brimmed with a neck flap)
  • Seek shade
  • Slide on sunglasses (recommended Eye Protection Factor of at least 30 for best UV protection)
• In hot conditions, conduct physical activity sessions early in the school day. Use indoor or undercover areas if available.

Water

• Encourage students to bring a water bottle to class with their name clearly marked on the bottle.
• Ensure that students do not share or drink from another student’s water bottle.
• Check that students drink water before, during and after vigorous physical activity, especially in hot weather.
• Educate students about the importance of water (hydration) as a daily need and how an intake of healthy fluids is part of their daily Nutrition requirements.

Special Note: Avoiding Dehydration
Children do not sweat as much as adults and consequently find it more difficult to cool off. Children need to become accustomed to the heat and humidity gradually. Signs of dehydration include: a dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, being irritable, and excessive fatigue. When dehydration is suspected, the student should be moved to a shady/cool area, allowed to rest, given water to drink, be carefully monitored, and the parents contacted.

Warming Up and Cooling Down

• Educate students about the importance of warming up and cooling down after physical activity.
• Ensure that each Physical Activity session begins with a warm up of the large muscle groups and light stretching for about five to ten minutes, and finishes with a cooling down session comprising stretching of the muscles used.
• Provide vigorous physical activity experiences that encourage students to elevate their heart rates in order to enhance their aerobic capacity.