Active Schools - Using A Community-School Approach to Promote Lifetime Physical Activity

Active Schools
Using A Community-School Approach to Promote Lifetime Physical Activity

Schools can work with parents, their employers and other agencies to promote lifelong physical activity. The elements of this comprehensive approach have been described here under the following five categories:

coordinated programs
instructional strategies
social support
supportive school and community services
physical environment and resources

Several topics are listed under each of the categories. Explanatory articles, summaries and reports, research evidence, Canadian and other local examples, as well as online planning, educational and policy development resources are identified for each topic.

Coordinated Programs	Whole School Approach School-Community Programs Community-Wide Programs that include Schools
Instructional Programs	Physical Activity physical education programs and curricula messages/activities across the curricula Specific Populations youth with disabilities/special needs females males aboriginal youth overweight youth teacher education and inservice school administrator training
Social Support	extracurricular activities intramural activities competitive sports programs personal fitness activities student/youth leadership programs Parent Education and Involvement community awareness and mobilization policies on school and community facilities and equipment
School & Community Support Services	walk to school programs after-school programs role of volunteers and paid coaches role of public health coordination with voluntary and municipal recreation services
Physical and Environmental Resources	access to facilities and equipment playgrounds transportation to activities