Fuel the Day.
Prioritize Physical Activity at Your School.
SHAPEAmerica affirms that physical activity should be a shared priority across the entire school community.Acomprehensive approach embeds movement before, during and after the school day, creating a culture that supports the whole child.
WHY IT MATTERS
Prioritizing physical activity in school helps build a foundation of health, joy and lifelong learning. It can also:
Improve student focus, behavior and academic success; Strengthen mental, physical and social well-being; Expand equitable access to activity and reinforce the importance of quality physical education When movement is embedded into the school day, students thrive.
GET MOVING ... ALL DAY LONG
Time/Setting
Before School
During School
Recess
Physical Education Class
After School
Staff & Community Programs
What Movement Can Look Like
Walk and roll programs, open gym, intramural clubs
Brain boosts, classroom energizers, active transitions
Inclusive free play, student-led games, activity equipment
Standards-based instruction, skill development, inclusive activities
Activity clubs, sports, family fitness nights
Wellness challenges, walking groups, school events
LEAD THE WAY
Physical educators can play a key role in building a culture of wellness in school Here’s how:
Encourage and support classroom movement breaks; Collaborate to protect recess and PE time; Connect families and community partners to wellness efforts; Serve on school wellness teams and advocate for daily activity; Reinforce joyful, inclusive movement in every setting.
Physical activity is essential. Not extra. Not expendable.
View the full SHAPE America position statement.
