I really enjoyed reading your blog post Ty! I can tell you are very passionate about sports. It is awesome to see that being active at school in P.E. class was such a positive experience for you.
I completely agree with your point on the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of physical activity beyond just physical health. It’s crucial for young people to understand how movement positively impacts their mental, emotional and social well being. Creating an inclusive an engaging environment that focuses on personal growth rather than competition is a fantastic approach for educators.
I also thought that your insights on the negative effects of sedentary behaviour are spot on. Incorporating active learning breaks, promoting extracurricular activities, and encouraging active participation are excellent strategies to combat this issue. Teaching older students about the 24 hour movement guidelines and using technology to engage them in active lifestyle choices can make a significant difference.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I love to see that so many of my fellow classmates are just as passionate about teaching as I am.
Great work on your blog post Maya! I can tell you are very enthusiastic about caring for others and your passion for physical education is so clear! I love how you highlight the impact of physical activity beyond just fitness, emphasizing its role in mental well-being, stress relief, and social connection. Your personal experiences in sports shaping your desire to teach make your perspective really meaningful.
I also appreciate your focus on making P.E. inclusive and enjoyable for all students. Not everyone naturally loves physical activity, so giving students choices and making classes engaging is a great approach. Your idea of “fitness challenges” is awesome—it allows students to find activities they enjoy while still being active. Encouraging movement as something fun rather than a chore is so important in helping young people develop lifelong healthy habits.
Your commitment to creating a positive environment in health education is inspiring. It’s clear you’ll be an amazing teacher who helps students see the value of physical activity in a way that works for them. Looking forward to seeing how you continue to grow in this field! I hope one day we are both teachers at the same school!Â
Well done Brianne! I really enjoyed reading your 1st blog post. I love how you included a quote at the beginning of your blog post. I completely agree with your perspective on the importance of active health education! It’s so crucial for educators to recognize health as a holistic concept and to understand the various aspects of movement through the day. The 24-hour movement guidelines are a great framework for this.
Your example of daily physical activity (DPA) at your elementary school is a great illustration of how these guidelines can be implemented effectively. It’s clear that without awareness of evidence-based guidelines, such measures might be overlooked, which would be a missed opportunity for promoting healthier lifestyles.
I think that by prioritizing sleep, reducing sedentary behaviour, and encouraging both physical and light activity, educators can guide students toward healthier and happier lives. Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences!
Hi, my name is Sierra Lise, and I am in my second year! I am majoring in English and minoring in physical health education. I wish to become a secondary school teacher. I have known that I wanted to be a teacher since a young age. I have always loved the idea of being able to inspire and guide the younger generation during such a crucial stage in their personal and academic development. I grew up being the eldest daughter and granddaughter on both sides of my family, and I had many younger neighbours. This gave me the experience of showing others how to navigate challenges, learn new skills, and grow confidently, which sparked my passion for teaching and mentoring.
This week in class, we have talked about the following topics: Understanding Active Health Education, Key Issues in Youth Physical activity, The role of Sedentary behaviour in youth health, The five-step model for active health, and Developing health competencies in students. Â
Active Health Education
First, I will talk about understanding active health education. Active health education empowers young people to develop positive attitudes toward health by fostering understanding and engagement. For instance, teaching students about the 24-hour movement behaviours, including the importance of “sweat” (moderate to vigorous physical activity), “step” (light physical activity), “sleep” (9-11 hours for youth), and reducing sedentary behaviours (“sit”)-helps them recognize the value of balancing activity with rest for overall well-being.
A lack of awareness is one of the most significant barriers to increasing physical activity among youth. Many young people and their families do not fully understand health guidelines or their long-term benefits. For example, many are unaware of the 60-minute MVPA guideline for youth or the importance of reducing sedentary behaviour. As future leaders in health education, we can address this by improving health literacy, such as incorporating health-focused lessons into school curricula and modelling active lifestyles. Additionally, emphasizing the connection between physical activity and mental well-being can make these guidelines more relatable and impactful.
The Role of Sedentary Behaviour in Youth Health
Sedentary behaviour is another primary concern, negatively impacting physical health and overall well-being. Prolonged sitting and excessive screen time increase the risks of obesity, cardiovascular issues, and mental health challenges like anxiety. Educators can fight this by integrating active breaks, standing lessons, and outdoor activities into the school day. Policies like daily physical activity (DPA) requirements also ensure structured opportunities for movement.
The five-step model for active health promotes sustainable physical activity. This involves assessing current activity levels, planning interventions, implementing strategies, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes. As a future educator, I can use this model to create inclusive health programs that meet all the different needs of students while fostering long-term habits of physical activity.
Developing Health Competencies in Students
Finally, developing health competencies in students is critical for their physical, emotional, and social development. Health literacy equips students with the skills to make informed choices about their well-being. As a teacher, I aim to inspire students to value their health and build strong foundations for a balanced, active lifestyle.
Understanding these topics makes me confident I can guide young people toward healthier futures. This knowledge will be crucial to becoming a secondary school teacher.
