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Activity for school aged children

Daily activity is important for your children's growth and development. It's also a great way for them to make friends and learn new physical and social skills.

Three girls grouped together beside a hockey net

Children and young people need at least one hour, and if possible up to several hours, of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity everyday.

"Time spent being physically active can be built up gradually throughout the day with a combination of moderate and vigorous activities that children enjoy," says Manager of Community Programs at Sport and Recreation Queensland, Vicki Wilson.

Being active doesn't mean children have to stop watching television, surfing the Internet or playing computer games. But it is recommended that children do not spend more than two hours a day using electronic media for entertainment, especially during daylight hours.

"Activities can be fun and involve the whole family. It's a good idea to give gifts or toys that promote physical activity, such as bats, balls, frisbees or bikes that families can enjoy together. Most importantly, set a good example by being active yourself," says Vicki.

Including more physical activity in family outings can be as simple as taking your children for a walk while you talk with them about their day. You may even like to review spelling and maths homework while you walk together.

Two boys with their backs to each other and their arms interlocked and a orange ball between their shoulders

Ball games

Throw a ball to each other, using both overarm and underarm throws.
Roll or bounce the ball to each other.
Throw the ball into a hoop or bucket.
Stand back-to-back and, keeping your feet flat on the ground, pass the ball under your legs then over your head.
Face one another and place the ball so your foreheads hold it, then walk together in the same direction without letting the ball fall.
While you pass the ball, call out the next letter in the alphabet or words for children to spell.

Racquet activity

Hold a racquet like you would hold a frying pan, with your palm facing upwards and your wrist rigid.

Balance a tennis ball on the racquet and then walk, balancing the ball on your racquet.
Sit down without letting the ball fall from the racquet.
Bounce the ball on the racquet.
Hit the ball up with the racquet and catch it with your free hand.
Hit the ball in the air with the racquet, let it bounce once and then catch it with your free hand.

Relay activity

You can turn most activities into a relay, including running, hopping, skipping and bouncing or kicking a ball. A relay team can consist of two children and the team does not have to compete against anyone but the clock. Keep it fun.

Try this dressing relay:

Give each team a pair of adult-size shorts and a shirt.
Place the clothes at a marker some distance away.
The first child runs to the clothes, puts them on over their play clothes and runs back to their team.
The child then removes the adult-size clothes and gives them to the next child to dress up.
They then run to the line and back. Continue until all children have dressed up and dressed down.

Remember

Ensure everyone drinks plenty of water.
Be sun safe. Slip, slop, slap and minimise time in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm. Play in the shade whenever you can.
Help children watch out for tripping hazards as well as other children if they are playing in a group.

More information about the initiatives under Sport and Recreation Queensland's Get Active Queensland Children and Young People strategy:

Website:: www.sportrec.qld.gov.au
Telephone:: 1300 656 191
(cost of a local call)^†

^†Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.

TravelSmart. It's how you get there that counts!

If you get from A to B by walking, cycling or taking public transport then you TravelSmart or travel in active and environmentally friendly ways.

Group of young children on bikes on the road outside a house

This reaps many positive rewards, including a positive affect on your health, fitness and wellbeing, not to mention your hip-pocket.

Choosing to TravelSmart also reduces air pollution and helps ease traffic congestion. This is especially important for school communities. Imagine how much safer and calmer school drop-off zones would be if more children walked to school?

"Walking and cycling to school with your children is a way to protect them from serious health problems in the long term," says Queensland Transport Manager of Community Partnerships and Development, Liam McKay.

"It may not always be possible to TravelSmart but you only have to TravelSmart one day a week to make a positive impact on your health and the environment."

For more information about how to TravelSmart:

Website:: www.transport.qld.gov.au/travelsmart
Telephone:: (07) 3253 4006

Last updated: 20 June 2008.