The increasing movement can be seen as improved learning and concentration. We have a wide array of measures that immediately add movement to the school day. For example, movement can be created by modifying the structure of the school day and by organising club activities, campaigns or physically active events. What is an activating school yard like? How should break-time physical activity be organised in the school?
In the Schools on the Move, 77% of the pupils participate actively in physical activity during the school day.
Physical activity has a lot of positive effects on pupils’ health, wellbeing and school performance. One of the worst health risks for today’s children is obesity. The best way for to prevent children’s obesity is daily physical activity. Daily physical activity is also a precondition for the child’s normal growth and development.
The number of Finnish children aged between 11 and 15 engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity has increased between 5 and 9% over a period of 8 years.
At best, school is an environment that encourages children to physical activity and enables them to learn motor skills. Movement can be added to the school day very quickly by paying attention to the school facilities, the school yard and sports equipment. Physical activity can also be encouraged through different events and campaigns.
Pupils have been trained as break-time peer activators in almost one half of the schools (43%).
