Jump Into Action: Fun Ways Schools Can Celebrate Physical Activity Month

Springtime in Canada brings longer days, warmer weather, and the perfect opportunity to encourage students to get active. While physical activity is essential year-round, May and June (depending on your province) mark Physical Activity and Sports Month—a time to celebrate movement, promote wellness, and inspire healthy habits in school communities.

This annual observance isn’t just a calendar event—it’s a national movement calling educators, schools, and families to prioritize physical activity for children of all ages and abilities. Whether through organized sports, outdoor games, or everyday movement, this is our chance to shine a spotlight on the power of physical activity. In this article, we’ll share practical ideas and strategies for schools to make the most of Physical Activity and Sports Month.

What is Physical Activity and Sports Month?

Physical Activity and Sports Month is a nationwide campaign celebrated in May or June, depending on the province. It recognizes physical activity's critical role in promoting health, learning, and well-being and encourages all Canadians—especially children and youth—to get moving and make physical activity part of their daily routine.

For schools, it's an opportunity to highlight the importance of daily movement, promote Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for children, and create meaningful experiences that keep your students engaged and active.

Schools Are Key to Getting Kids Moving More

Schools are ideal settings for promoting physical activity because children spend much of their day on campus. With access to gymnasiums, playgrounds, sports fields, and supportive educators, schools are uniquely equipped to foster daily movement in a safe, inclusive, and structured environment.

School physical activity is not just about PE classes—it can be woven into the entire school culture. From active breaks and morning stretches to walking clubs and intramurals, schools can create a culture where movement is a standard and celebrated part of every student’s day.

The Lasting Benefits of Daily Physical Activity for Children

The impact of physical activity on children’s physical, emotional, and academic development is well-documented. Regular movement helps children:

• Grow strong, healthy bodies.
• Improve sleep and energy levels.
• Boost confidence and emotional well-being.
• Strengthen their heart and bones.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improve focus, attention, and academic performance.

In contrast, sedentary behaviour can contribute to rising rates of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and mental health concerns. Making physical activity a school-wide priority is an investment in students' current and future health.

Turning School Time Into Active Time

Lead by Example

School staff are powerful role models. Share your own physical activity stories with students and encourage other educators and leaders to do the same. Students who see adults embracing movement are likelier to follow suit.

Integrate Movement Throughout the Day

Even with busy schedules, physical activity doesn’t have to be limited to PE class. Look for opportunities to integrate short movement breaks, active learning strategies, and outdoor time throughout the school day.

Get Creative With These Physical Activity Event Ideas for Schools

Host a Bike (or Roll) to School Week

Incorporate a  Bike to School Week into your initiatives. Schools that embrace active school travel help their kids lead healthier lifestyles and reduce traffic and pollution and make school zones safer for vulnerable road users.

Start a Walking School Bus

A walking school bus is group of children walking to school with one or more adults. It can be as informal as two families taking turns walking their children to school or as structured as a route with meeting points, a timetable, and a regularly rotated schedule of trained volunteers.

Initiate an Active Classroom Challenge

Encourage students to be active for at least 10 minutes daily by participating in daily classroom physical activity and brain breaks.

Offer Open Gym Time

Provide students supervised time to explore new sports and physical activities before school or at lunch.

Invite Parents to PE Day

Invite parents to participate in a special day of your school's physical education classes with their child.

Host a Gear Swap

Combine sports and eco-consciousness by hosting a used equipment swap at your school.

Offer Intramurals or Pick-Up Games

 Low-pressure opportunities for students to try new sports or be active with friends.

Plan a School-Wide Field Day

Use this as a culminating celebration of skills and teamwork. Field days or hosting a KAIZEN Kids Carnival can be the perfect opportunity for students to use the skills they’ve learned in their physical education classes. 

Ways to Promote Physical Activity Month at Your School

Don’t let your school’s amazing efforts go unnoticed! Actively promoting your Physical Activity and Sports Month events helps build excitement, boost participation, and reinforce the value of daily movement. Share updates on social media, in school newsletters, and through classroom and morning announcements. Post colourful flyers around the building and highlight daily tips or challenges to keep physical activity top of mind for students, staff, and families. The more visibility your efforts get, the more momentum you’ll build for a truly active and engaged school community.

1. School-Wide Announcements: Announce the month's activities and events through school announcements and posters. 
2. Social Media Campaign: Use social media to promote the activities and encourage participation.
3. Parent Engagement: Involve parents by sending out newsletters or holding informational meetings about the month's activities.
4. Encourage Students to Take Charge: Help students understand the benefits of regular movement and offer engaging ways to get active.
5. Share Resources: Share resources on physical activity and sports with students and families.
6. Highlight Success Stories: Showcase students who are actively involved in sports or have achieved fitness goals.
7. Create a "Physical Activity Zone": Designate a space in the school for physical activity, such as a designated area for games or a running track.
8. Host a PE & Sport Book Club: Organize a book club focused on physical activity and sports.
   

Joining forces with schools is the key to reversing childhood physical inactivity in Canada. Schools must unite and commit to increasing their efforts to prioritize physical activity. Together, we can make a significant impact and bring about positive changes that will make a real difference in the lives of young Canadians. Let's work together toward a healthier and more active future.

David Arsenault

Founder and Executive Director

Champions for Life Foundation

Let’s Move Forward—Together!

Physical Activity and Sports Month is more than a celebration—it's a reminder of the influential role schools play in shaping healthy futures. As educators and school professionals, you have the tools, spaces, and influence to help students build lifelong movement habits.

So, let’s lace up our sneakers, step outside, and lead the way in making physical activity part of every student’s day—not just this spring but all year long.

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