Active Living
LEARNING TO EMBRACE THE COLD WEATHER
Written by Chesa Peter and Kayli McClelland If you’ve lived in Alberta between October and May (okay, really, any time of year), you know that our winters here can be harsh! The cold weather isn’t going anywhere and neither are we, so it’s time to learn to get along. The Cold Weather Recess Planning Guide…
Read MoreRUN, WALK AND ROLL WITH THE AMA YOUTH RUN CLUB
“It got me running too and connected to the kids on a different level.” – A 2019/2020 Run Club coach The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) Youth Run Club has been supporting Alberta students with free, fun and flexible programming for 7 years, and while clubs may look a little different this year, all the great…
Read MoreDON’T WALK IN THE HALLWAY: ENERGIZER ACTIVITIES
Originally published in Healthy Schools Alberta Magazine Fall 2016 Edition Recognizing the importance of promoting healthy learning environments, floor decals offer a way to modify school spaces, helping to activate your students and enliven your lessons. Activities that range in intensity have demonstrated the ability to increase a student’s readiness to learn. The Don’t Walk…
Read MoreTRAIL TALES: STORIES THAT MOVE YOU
Written by Tracey Coutts and Scott Bailey Looking for a versatile, cost-effective way to increase physical activity and improve literacy in your school community? Well, have we got a tale for you. Trail Tales was launched in Parkland School Division 70 as a means to promote physical activity and literacy, while enhancing the active travel…
Read MoreMY HEART IS FULL: COMBATING COVID-19 THROUGH TRADITIONAL SKILLS
Written by Chelsea Cattroll, Ever Active Schools, with support from Dr. Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis, kâniyâsihk Culture Camps We turn to the land when we are stressed to re-connect to ourselves and become grounded. During a time that can be perceived as stressful and turbulent, I have seen that many people are starting to return to…
Read MoreDR. JOHN SPENCE ON THE 2020 PARTICIPACTION REPORT CARD
For the past 14 years, ParticipACTION has released report cards that grade Canadians on their physical activity behaviours. The report cards bring together data from a variety of sources to give evidence-based grades on a number of different indicators. Dr. John Spence is a Professor and Vice Dean at the University of Alberta within the…
Read MoreTHE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING TO NATURE
“The Importance of Connecting to Nature”, written by Tracey Gilmour for Ever Active Schools. Originally published in Healthy Schools Alberta Magazine Winter 2018 edition. This article has been modified from its original format. “IMAGINE A WORLD… in which all children grow up with a deep understanding of the world around them. Where [health concerns] are…
Read MoreWALKING YOUR WAY TO A MINDFUL STATE
Written by Chesa Peter, School Health Facilitator, Ever Active Schools. Originally published in Healthy Schools Alberta Magazine Special Edition: Active Transportation IN RECENT YEARS, THE NUMBER OF STUDIES ON MINDFULNESS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATION HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. Many studies have demonstrated strong correlations between mindfulness practice and cognitive outcomes such as improved attention and…
Read MoreWHY FREE PLAY OUTSIDE SHOULD BE A PART OF EVERY PE PROGRAM
Written by David Benay. Originally published at Active for Life PHYSICAL EDUCATION DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN IN A GYMNASIUM. I’m a big proponent of active free play outside during physical education (PE) class. In my PE classes, I plan for quite a lot of it when the weather allows. There are so many benefits of free play outside…
Read MoreDAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IDEAS
DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS ESSENTIAL IN SCHOOLS FOR MANY REASONS. Sure, DPA is important (even critical!) to health and learning outcomes, but it is also a lot of fun! How great is it to see students smiling, working and problem solving with others? And hearing all the laughter? So much is being experienced in those moments…
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