In an effort to reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses later in life, experts recommend that children aged five to 18 should be physically active for at least one hour a day.
In an effort to reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses later in life, experts recommend that children aged five to 18 should be physically active for at least one hour a day (www.nhs.uk/change4life/pages/get-going-every-day.aspx).
At school, there are endless opportunities to help promote increased activity for children. Jamie Makopa, sports science specialist at Sovereign Play Equipment, lists his top tips:
- Encourage children to take part in group exercise during playtime. Games like “Stuck in the Mud” and “What’s the time Mr Wolf?” not only get them active with their peers, but influence teamwork and rule adherence.
- Make the most of existing play equipment to encourage vigorous, but simple bone and muscle-strengthening activities such as running, jumping, climbing and swinging.
- Support cognitive growth, balance and hand-eye co-ordination by installing adventure trail components like the “Tyre Step” and “Shimmy Ropes”, which can also be used for football and netball training sessions and other teacher-led activities.
- Allow break-time activities where children can use equipment such as tennis balls, skipping ropes and Frisbees.
- Encourage concerted exercise by setting up an after-school mini boot camp that uses existing play facilities as a circuit.
- Organise sponsored challenges such as an assault course or activity trail and raise money for school funds. Get parents involved for added fun.
- Praise children when they are exercising and provide achievable challenges to give them the motivation to do it more often.
For more help on getting children active, call 01702 291129 or visit www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk