Physical Activity Resources

Follow the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum

• Grades 1-8
• Grades 9-12
• Incorporate a minimum of 20 minutes of Daily Physical Activity (DPA) at school every day for grades 1 through 8.
• Review the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (5 to 17 years) and the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years).
• Access online Health and Physical Education resources and training from Ophea such as lesson plans, student templates, and assessment tools, or PHE Canada resources 
• Utilize the Active for Life lesson plan builder to improve fundamental movement skills.
• Review ParticipACTION’s 2026 Children and Youth Progress Report. 

• Learn about Quality Physical Education (QPE).  As a school, try to incorporate as many of the components of a QPE program in your school.
• Create a school policy to ensure that physical activity is never used or taken away as a punishment; instead, consider using it as a reward (such as an extra recess or more DPA).
• Review and endorse the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. 
• Take your class outside! Register for Take Me Outside Day (Oct 21), the Winter Challenge, and the Learning Challenge
• Be an active role model AND improve your physical and mental wellbeing!  Walk or bike to school, be active during lunch, recesses, or incorporate movement into your lessons.  Follow the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults.

• Ask students for their opinions on ways to get students and staff more active at school.
• Assist students in making positive changes to their school physical activity environments and/or policies by applying to the Healthy Schools Recognition Program.
• Have students identify free/low-cost physical activity opportunities around the school and where they live including parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
• Access peer-led recess program resources for interested students: PHE Canada endorsed Recess Project Changemaker’s Guide, Playground Activity Leaders in School (PALs)* (French resources also available), Playocracy LEAD Recess, Recess Guardians.

• Provide access to loose parts equipment (traditional, natural and or recycled items), school yard modifications such as playground markings and walking tracks at recess, breaks, and before and after school.
• Add naturalized playground elements, where feasible.
• Reduce playground density (number of students out at one time) by utilizing a larger space if possible or splitting recess into shifts.
• Ensure an inclusive Health and Physical Education environment by utilizing Ophea’s Disability-Centred Movement resource. Access Ophea’s e-Learning module.
• Check Smart Commute Hamilton to learn more about the School Bike Rack Seed Fund Program
• Follow school board policies and Ophea’s Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines to ensure a safe active environment
• Apply to the Outdoor Learning Gear Fund for outdoor clothing and footwear for your students. 

• Encourage parents and caregivers to get involved in school physical activity by providing them information and opportunities at parent council meetings, newsletters, school website, or parent engagement nights. 
• Check out the City of Hamilton’s recreation courses, lessons or drop-in programs and learn about their Recreation Assistance Program.
• Promote KidSport Hamilton and/or Jumpstart for parents/guardians to access financial support for their child(ren) for registered recreation and sports  programs.
• Search out physical activity opportunities in your area.  Use the ParkFinder tool or discover nearby trails.
• Contact a Physical Activity Specialist or Public Health Nurse by emailing [email protected] for help and advice on physical activity in schools.