Physical Activity: School Aged Children

Stories in Motion – Physical Activity Breaks

Iowa Team Nutrition; 2012.

"Stories in Motion" are short stories that include action words which prompt bursts of physical activity! These stories can be utilize in classrooms to provide short physical activity breaks.


Move for Thought: Integrated Physical Activities for Learning in the Elementary School Classroom (PDF | 1.04 MB)

Iowa Team Nutrition.

This kit is designed to help children increase their physical activity levels during the school day, as well as to help teachers facilitate learning and academic achievement. The kit can be used to assist in meeting Healthy Kids Act physical activity minutes and Healthier US School Challenge physical activity minutes (if planned in partnership with the physical education teacher).


Create a Classroom That Moves! Create a Classroom That Moves!

Ohio Team Nutrition.

This kit consists of three core classroom tools: Grade-level nutrition lessons; Physical activity breaks; My Classroom Physical Activity Pyramid.


Physical Activity and Education

Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Find ideas to increase physical activity throughout the school day and read success stories from schools.


Fuel Up to Play 60 Fuel Up to Play 60

National Dairy Council; National Football League; United States Department of Agriculture.

The campaign includes school activation kits, curriculum plans and an interactive fitness Web site for kids.


President's Challenge President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program

President's Challenge.

Begun as a simple physical fitness test for youth in the 1960s, the Challenge has evolved into a program with several components.


BAM! Body and Mind

DHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

BAM! uses kid-friendly lingo, games, quizzes, and other interactive features to appeal to 9-13 year olds. The site also serves as an aid to teachers.


Verb: It's What You Do

DHHS. CDC. Youth Media Campaign

This campaign targets youth ages 9-13 and their parents by encouraging physical and pro-social activity.


Active Schools Toolkit (PDF | 1.7 MB)

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

A toolkit to assess your school's physical activity offerings, and materials to implement 17 key strategies to help reach the goal of 60 minutes of physical activity per day for students.


Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge

Action for Healthy Kids.

Toolkit for inspiring healthy changes in the students in your school. Includes components for the classroom, cafeteria and at home. The goal of the program is to help children take small steps towards healthier lifestyles.


Let's Move in School

National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

The purpose of Let's Move In School is to educate youth about all of the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and to ensure that every school provides opportunities for quality physical education and activity.


ZOOM: For Kids By Kids

Public Broadcasting Service.

Fun games and activities for kids, including Physical Challenges.


TeensHealth Food & Fitness

Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.

Provides a list of resources for children to learn about making healthy choices. Also includes information on steroids, strength training, and eating disorders.


Go Girl Go!

Women's Sports Foundation.

A curriculum-based program for girls, coaches and parents to reinforce positive behaviors and educate girls about the dangers of inactivity. Includes a campaign for 3rd-8th graders, and another campaign for high school students.


Mind and Body: Activities for the Elementary Classroom (PDF | 6.07 MB)

Montana Team Nutrition. Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Provides a wealth of physical activities to be done in the classroom with young children.


Healthy Hopping

University of Illinois Extension. Urban Programs Resource Network.

Stunts, games, and rhymes to encourage jumping rope as a fun form of physical fitness. Also includes healthy jump rope snacks.


Elementary PE Sample Lessons

Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) Program.

Features developmentally appropriate activities for children in grades K-2, and 3-6.


Physical Education Lessons with a Nutrition Concept

Colorado Department of Education.

Helps teachers and food service staff integrate nutrition education into core curriculum and the cafeteria.