How to Make Kids More Physically Active for Life: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Physical activity is key to a healthy life, but how do we ensure kids stay active long after school ends? Research shows that early experiences in physical education (PE) can shape whether children grow into active adults. This article, inspired by Catherine D. Ennis’s 2010 study, breaks down practical ways to prepare kids for a lifetime of movement in a fun, engaging way.

Why Early Physical Activity Matters

Studies show that kids with positive PE experiences are more likely to stay active as adults. These experiences build skills, confidence, and a love for movement. However, not all kids naturally enjoy PE. Research identifies five groups of students, from highly motivated movers to those who avoid activity altogether. The good news? Teachers and parents can help all kids find joy in staying active.

Four Ways to Encourage Lifelong Activity

Here are four strategies to help kids embrace physical activity for life:

1. Teach Useful Skills

Kids need to learn specific movement skills, like throwing or dancing, to feel confident in activities. Quality PE programs focus on practicing these skills in fun, game-like settings rather than just playing large team sports. Encourage kids to try diverse activities like swimming or yoga, which they can enjoy as adults.

2. Build Fitness Knowledge

Understanding how exercise benefits the body makes kids more likely to stay active. Programs like “Science, PE, & Me!” teach kids about fitness through hands-on experiments, like exploring how their heart rate changes during activity. Parents can reinforce this by discussing how exercise boosts energy and mood.

3. Boost Confidence

Kids who feel good about their abilities are more likely to keep moving. Teachers can set achievable goals, like mastering a jump rope sequence, and celebrate effort over competition. Parents can cheer kids on with phrases like “Keep going!” to build their self-esteem.

4. Make It Fun

Fun is the secret sauce! Kids love PE when they can play with friends, choose activities, or try non-competitive games. Parents can make movement joyful by planning family bike rides or dance parties at home.

Moving Beyond Traditional PE

Traditional PE often focuses on short sports units, which may not inspire lifelong activity. Instead, modern programs emphasize skills and knowledge that kids can use as adults, like fitness routines or outdoor adventures. Schools should offer daily PE with engaging, varied activities to spark a love for movement.

Take Action Today

Parents and teachers play a huge role in helping kids value physical activity. By focusing on skills, knowledge, confidence, and fun, we can set them up to stay active on their own. If you’re looking for a PE curriculum for your school, you can follow this link https://www.pe-science.com/member-site-home to get access to our research-based curriculum designed for student growth. Want to dive deeper? Check out the original study by Catherine D. Ennis for more insights.