Do you do DPA?

What does physical activity appear, sound like, and feel like for you? What connections did you make between daily physical activity and other parts of your school day or what you do outside of school?

Share 3 DPA ways that you like to do.

Complete the My 3 DPA in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Fast facts

Can daily physical activity improve your overall health and well-being?

Determine which of the following statements are True or False.

Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.

The correct answer to all of the statements is TRUE! Are you surprised by that? Many people assume that the only benefit to being physically active is fitness. That is false. Evidence suggests that physical activity contributes to the well-being of people of all ages. We can improve our health by adding 20 minutes of physical activity to our routine every day. The benefits can be physical, mental, and social, and affect our school, home, and community life!

Press the following tabs to access examples of the different benefits of DPA.

Benefits to all ages

People of all age groups can enjoy the positive effects of including physical activity to their daily lives. It is never too late to get started – for a lot of reasons!

• helps control joint swelling and arthritis
• helps prevent heart disease
• enhances mobility
• decreases risk of falls
• improves cognitive function

Examine the interview with professional dancer and choreographer Sarah Robichaud.

You will now access the article “Ontario Brain Institute: How dancing can boost cognitive health”.

Benefits to learning

Physical activity can also directly impact the behaviour and development of the brain. During physical activity oxygen to the brain is increased and the number of neurotransmitters, molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons, or from neurons to muscles, is increased. Both of these help with our ability to focus, concentrate, learn, and deal with stress.

Consider how being physically active can benefit students as they navigate their day at school, after school, and at home. Complete each sentence starter to provide a positive statement about the relationship between activity and learning.

Complete the Benefits of Being Active in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Be resourceful!

One strategy to make it easier for students, parents, and teachers to be physically active for at least 20 minutes every day would be to have a tool kit of ideas. Create a resource of activities that are simple and don’t require special equipment to do. Be sure that you include a variety of activities that are inclusive of all abilities. How you choose to present your resource is up to you. Maybe a podcast, video, booklet, power point presentation, or activity cards – be creative!

Check out the following ideas:

• go tobogganing, skating, swimming, or inline skating
• participate in local charity fun walks/wheels/runs
• household activities (mowing, raking, sweeping, vacuuming, gardening, washing the car, taking the dog out, washing windows, etc.)
• play catch

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.