DON’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…

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TRAIL TALES: STORIES THAT MOVE YOU

A laminated, corrugated plastic board with an image on it that says "Trail Tales". This is the introductory page to inform passersby of the purpose of the Trail Tales project.

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…

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MY 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…

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DR. 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…

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THE 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…

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WALKING YOUR WAY TO A MINDFUL STATE

walking/standing in leaves

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…

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WHY 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…

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DAILY 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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SHAPING THE FUTURE 2020: RECAPPED

Panel discussion at STF20.

WE SAY IT EVERY YEAR, BUT THIS MAY VERY WELL HAVE BEEN THE BEST SHAPING THE FUTURE YET.  All-day Wednesday and on Thursday morning, the most eager delegates attended pre-conference sessions. Some became certified Field Leaders with the Outdoor Council of Canada. Some learned inclusive teaching practices. Some contributed to re-defining recess to suit modern…

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RESILIENCY SUMMIT 2018: RECAPPED

Written by: Kayli McClelland, Creative Media Specialist, Ever Active Schools THIS YEAR’S RESILIENCY SUMMIT HAS LEFT OUR WHOLE TEAM PUMPED FOR NEXT YEAR ALREADY! Although we had some big changes this time around, we still had a successful two days of learning, sharing and celebrating. More than 30 school teams from across Alberta representing Treaties…

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