American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Ten Tips for Creating a Culture of Physical Activity at School

1. Develop a comprehensive school physical activity program. Visit the Let's Move in School website for tools to help you activate your school.
   
   
2. Provide classroom teachers with training and resources on how to implement physical activity breaks. Visit NASPE'sIntegrating Physical Activity into the Complete School Day web page for loads of free resources.
   
   
3. Schedule a physical activity break before lunch for all students.
   
   
4. Post point-of-decision signs all around your school to promote physical activity choices. Create signs to encourage walking and biking to school, taking the stairs whenever possible, and active play ideas near doors that lead to play areas.
   
   
5. Purchase storage chests to store physical activity equipment for recess play. Select a variety of age-appropriate equipment and locate the chests near doors that lead to play areas so that students can access the equipment. Rotate equipment inventory every month to create variety.
   
   
6. Offer monthly physical activity events or challenges that are offered to all students.
    
   
7. Download NASPE Physical Activity Calendars every month and make a copy for each student and staff members. Visit NASPE's Teacher Toolbox to access calendars for each month.
   
   
8. Create a monthly physical education newsletter that sends home tips for parents and students on staying active.
    
   
9. Plan Family Fun and Fitness nights at school on a regular basis.
   
   
10. Check out your playground to make sure it is play-friendly. Paint play formations and games that can direct student play and organize usage of spaces that are available.