Asphalt Stencils Available from Western School District

Jakeman Playground Video

INTRODUCTION

GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTATION

STUDENT LEADERS

PLAYGROUND RULES

PLANNING A SCHEDULE

SAFETY FIRST

PROGRAM EVALUATION

-         The overweight/ obesity rate of Canadians 2 – 17 years old is 26%; for Newfoundland youth, it is 36%, the highest in the country.  The rates of overweight/ obesity among Canadian children has more than doubled since 1986 - 2002.  Being overweight is a high risk factor for chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  The major factors contributing to this are obesity and inactivity.   

According to the 2008 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth published by Active Healthy Kids Canada, the average child spends 42 hours a week - more than the average work week - in front of screens.  On average, Canadian children spend another 30 hours sitting in school every week.  The Canadian Community Health Survey of 2007 reported that the odds of obesity of those watching television 21 or more hours a week were almost twice the odds of those who averaged five hours or fewer in front of the tube.  

Health Canada’s physical activity guidelines for children recommend 60 minutes of moderate activity and 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day of the week.  Less than half of Canadian children and youth are active enough on a daily basis to meet these guidelines for healthy growth and development.  (Improving the Weight of Canadians, Promoting Healthy Weights, 2006).  This 90-minute recommendation can be largely accumulated throughout the school day with Physical Education, Active Recess, Intramurals, and Daily Physical Activity in the classroom.  

A recent study of 33 Ontario schools involved in a healthy living initiative (students exercise every day, play extra sports, and are discouraged from eating junk food) saw overall scores climb by 18 % over two years in reading, writing, and math.  This compares to a growth of 4 % for similar schools not in the health program.  Principals also said there were fewer fights and better attendance.  “Children don’t become brighter because they’re physically active, but they are less tired, less agitated, less stressed, and less sick.  Physically active kids are in a better condition for learning.” –Professor G. Fishburne, University of Alberta (Globe and Mail, Jan 2007)

According to the Canadian Intramural Recreation Association of Ontario (CIRA), an Active Recess will:

·        Increase physical activity levels

·        Promote fair play

·        Reduce bullying and aggressive behavior on the playground

·        Promote student leadership and creativity

·        Promote conflict resolution  and problem solving skills

·        Help students become independent in directing their own play activity

·        Promote fun and participation.      

Participation and enthusiasm are key ingredients to building active and healthy youth!