Archive for month: November, 2023

Ready to turn your classroom into the ultimate hub of excitement and engagement? We’ve just released our new “Classroom Tips & Tricks” resource, with great ideas to bring your classrooms to life and support your students’ physical literacy development.

Benefits of Physical Activity and Physical Literacy Throughout the School Day

By infusing regular physical activity and nurturing physical literacy throughout the school day, including in your classroom, students are in for a host of benefits:

  • Improved attention and self-regulation through regular movement breaks
  • Sparked creative thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Reduced anxiety and stress levels
  • Enhanced social-emotional well-being
  • Developed movement skills
  • An overall experience of fun and enjoyment through being active

Incorporating the Classroom Tips & Tricks Resource

Use the new “Classroom Tips & Tricks” resources to turn your class into a place where learning and moving go hand in hand! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the ideas in the resource:

  • Warm-Up Leadership: Empower students to lead warm-up activities, fostering confidence and motivation.
  • Active Learning Stations: Integrate physical tasks into lesson stations. 
    • Create a math station that involves jumping or hopping while solving problems
    • Create a literacy station where students act out stories or use body movements to represent vocabulary words.
  • Physical Activity with Environmental Awareness: Integrate eco-friendly projects like gardening, tree planting, or park cleanup. Foster discussions about sustainability and taking care of the environment.

Curious for more? Download the full resource here and get ready to create a classroom atmosphere where learning is not just a mental exercise but a whole-body adventure.

Classroom Tips & Tricks” is a great addition to the ongoing toolkit of ideas and activities available through the School Physical Activity and Physical Literacy project, including resources like: 

We are thrilled to introduce the new Playground Circuit resource, now available on our website, designed to make physical activity enjoyable while still developing those fundamental movement skills outside. The Playground Circuit resource is a dynamic and interactive toolkit that offers a range of physical activities designed to enhance your students’ physical literacy while they have fun on the playground. It combines traditional playground equipment with creative circuit exercises to challenge their agility, coordination, balance, and strength. 

Why Use the Playground for Circuits?

  1. Multi-Functional Equipment: Playgrounds have various structures like swings, slides, monkey bars, and climbing walls. These offer endless possibilities for designing diverse circuit activities that target different movement skills.
  2. Fun and Engaging: Children naturally enjoy playing on the playground. By incorporating circuits into their playtime, we create a positive association with physical activity, making it a fun and enjoyable experience.
  3. Promotes Social Interaction: Playground circuits often involve group activities, promoting student teamwork and social interaction. They learn to support and encourage each other while having a blast.
  4. Develops Cognitive Skills: Circuit activities require students to follow instructions, remember sequences, and think creatively, enhancing their cognitive abilities.
  5. Outdoor Learning Benefits: Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for students, including improved focus, reduced stress, and increased vitamin D absorption.

How to Implement Playground Circuits

Using the Playground Circuits resource, you can create a variety of circuits for your class to try out! Simply:

  1. Choose a Circuit Design: Select a set of circuit exercises suitable for your students’ age and abilities. Ensure a good mix of activities targeting different movement skills.
  2. Set Up Stations: Identify different areas on the playground for each circuit activity. Place clear instructions at each station.
  3. Demonstrate Proper Technique: Before starting, demonstrate each exercise to ensure students understand how to perform them safely and effectively.
  4. Time and Rotate: Assign a specific time duration for each circuit station. When the time is up, have students rotate to the next station.
  5. Monitor and Encourage: Supervise the activities, offering encouragement and feedback to keep students motivated.

Playground Circuits are a fantastic way to engage your students in physical literacy while enjoying the outdoor playground.  Access the new Playground Circuit resource on the schoolpapl.ca website, and check out PLAYBuilder’s playground activities to continue supporting active learning and physical development with your students today!