Sport and personal fitness
Exercise is an activity, which will be ongoing throughout the school year. Physical Education (PE) is the obvious context in which to teach about the importance of exercise and how it affects our well-being.
Pupils will learn that:
- the body has ways of showing that you are exercising
- regular exercise is fun
- safety is important and needs to be remembered at all times.
Pupils should recognise the functions of different parts of the body and this can be reinforced within PE in terms of bending, stretching, travelling, and so on.
Pupils should also learn that there are many types of physical activity, not all confined to sports. They should be encouraged to participate in playground games, keeping in mind the need for health and safety procedures.
The Class Moves!
The Class Moves! is a physical activity resource that consists of playful relaxation exercises for primary school children from P1-P7. It was launched by NHS Health Scotland (then known as Health Education Board for Scotland) in September 2002.
This flexible resource as originally developed in the Netherlands by physiotherapists working with teachers, creative movement specialists and speech therapists. It encourages children to get involved in physical activity and promotes body awareness, relaxation, creative movement and fun.
An important aspect of the programme is that it does not require long time slots away from other activities. It is easily integrated with other curriculum subjects. It can also be used as a behaviour control tool, allowing teachers to channel children's energy in a constructive and fun way.
The activities in The Class Moves! are grouped into themes and age and are listed on wall-mounted monthly calendars. The themes are revisited each year and address key issues for young people. The accompanying manuals provide teachers with learning objectives, background theory and advice on safety. The calendars for P1-P5 have an accompanying CD to assist teachers with songs, many of which are specially composed to go with the programme.
- If a school requires an additional set/copy of The Class Moves!, this will be made available at a cost of £50 per set from NHS Health Scotland - e-mail: public.distribution@health.scot.nhs.uk
- Training is available on The Class Moves! – please contact NHS Health Scotland or your local health promotion department for locally-based trainers.
Resources
Find practical resources on sport and personal fitness using our Resources search including the following:
- 'Hassle free exercise', leaflet on how to introduce more activity into your life
- Feel Good website with activities and tips on improving health
- healthyliving website with information on exercise and diet.
