Physical Activity for young students in the Summer

Physical Activity for young students during the Summer

Summer break is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time away from school and homework. But do you know how little exercise students get if they are not involved in a sport  or program during this time? “Motor skill development should be a key strategy in childhood interventions aiming to promote long-term physical activity.”1 The students and teachers work throughout the school year to improve their motor learning and coordination skills. Here are some ways to incorporate physical activity in your busy schedule.

• Activities as a Family. This is a fun way to get your young children active, by doing things as a family. It can be as simple as walking the dog, going for a swim or playing catch in the yard. Or even playing against neighbors or friends in a flag football game. Just getting outside and being active with your kids is a great way to enjoy your summer.
• Schedule stops on long trips. Most people do not like to be stuck in a vehicle all day on their way to a destination. Schedule stops at parks to play and release some energy! As the temperatures rise, it may be better to go to a mall or an arcade with laser tag or a ropes course. “The levels of physical activity vary with seasonality, and the ensuing effect of poor or extreme weather has been identified as a barrier to participation in physical activity among various populations”.1
• Sports camps or daily programs. If there is a time period during the summer where your child will be home, consider enrolling them in a camp or program of their interest. As a young child, if we were not travelling or playing sports, we enjoyed going to sport specific camps or programs with fine arts or culinary techniques. These camps not only provided an environment to increase social skills but opened our mind to new interests.

In conclusion, be sure to keep your family active during the summer, they will enjoy it and you will too. Staying active helps continue the motor learning that students learn throughout the school year.

References:

1Barnett, L. M., Van Beurden, E., Morgan, P. J., Brooks, L. O., & Beard, J. R. (2009). Childhood motor skill proficiency as a predictor of adolescent physical activity. Journal of Adolescent Health, 44(3), 252-259.

2Tucker, P., & Gilliland, J. (2007). The effect of season and weather on physical activity: a systematic review. Public health, 121(12), 909-922.