Grades 3-5
Physical Activity, Health, Science, The Environment
Brainstorm or word map things that students do to keep themselves healthy and fit. Encourage them to think of things they would normally do alone, with friends, at school, in their community and with their family.
Explain that the first Saturday in June is National Health and Fitness Day in Canada. This day represents the efforts of Canadians to engage in fitness activities of any kind in order to strive to be the “Fittest Nation on Earth!”
Ask:
- Why do you think Canada has identified this day?
- What do you think it means to be “fit?”
- How can being fit help our bodies to stay healthy?
Brainstorm things that could be done safely any time of year to recognize the importance of being healthy and fit.
Select a few practical and safe activity ideas from their lists and invite students to share or demonstrate their commitment to being healthy and fit!
After their experience(s), ask:
- Why do you think it is important to engage in daily physical activity?
- How does being physically active contribute to your overall health?
- What are three things you learned about the importance of being fit and healthy?
- What do you plan on doing on doing with your family to mark this special day?
Close by reminding students that being fit and healthy is not a one-day event. The most important thing to remember is to do something active every day for at least 60 minutes. Brainstorm things they can do in the summer to keep active.
Encourage students to check out the National Health and Fitness Day website to see if your community has proclaimed the day and plan to get involved to make it even more successful.
Spread the word! Help us engage all Canadians in National Health and Fitness Day this year and every year!