PARC Conference Daily Physical Activity Healthy Bodies…Healthy Minds…Healthy Schools DPA Implementation Two years later Presenter Richard Ward

Objectives - Participants will:  actively review the background, the requirements and the benefits of DPA  explore where the implementation of DPA exists across the province today  share successes and concerns/issues and discuss how to over come any challenges  examine how to sustain DPA over time  examine the role of public health in the continued implementation of DPA, the sustainability of DPA and the positioning of DPA as a part of a healthy school P/PM DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, GRADES 1–8 The Ministry of Education( EDU) supports and promotes the participation of students in daily physical activity. Consequently, school boards must ensure that all elementary students, including students with special needs, have a minimum of twenty minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity each school day during instructional time. Focus of the Session

Why the need for DPA? Childhood obesity has tripled from % over the past three decades (Source: Dieticians of Canada, 2005) Only 9% of Canadian children and youth (aged 5 to 19) meet the recommended guideline in Canada's Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth. (Source: Canadian Physical Activity Levels Among Youth (CANPLAY) Study ) Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, depression, stress and anxiety. (Source: Warburton DER, Nicol CW, Bredin SSD. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal 2006; 174 (6): 801-9)

Benefits of Physical Activity on Learning & the Brain It is imperative that we recognize that physical activity is not only good for the body, but essential for the growing brain. Student brains need re-freshing, re- focusing, attention adherence, concentration and continuous change to reach their fullest potential. (Source: Professor Tom McNorton University of Windsor Faculty of Education-Sessional Instructor) Studies completed in 2004 by researchers at Hofstram University corroborated findings over the last decade that physical play actually stimulates growth in the brain. Con’t on next page

Physical movement during writing and reading is often crucial for brain alertness and performance. Allowing boys, especially, who seem to be “zoning out” in class, to squeeze a Nerf Ball in the non- writing hand, can keep the brain stimulated to read and write. (Gurian 2005) Benefits of Physical Activity on Learning & the Brain

EDU Response - Healthy Schools Healthy Eating (P/PM 135) Having standards for foods and beverages sold in elementary school vending machines is an important first step in promoting a healthy school community. It helps ensure that healthy food and beverage choices are available for Ontario's students, and reinforces the messages delivered to children through The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1 to 8: Health and Physical Education, Daily Physical Activity (P/PM 138) The goal of daily physical activity is to enable all elementary students to improve or maintain their physical fitness and their overall health and wellness, and to enhance their learning opportunities. Foundations for a Healthy School Strong curriculum, healthy physical environment, supportive social environment and community partnerships

EDU Response Continued Second PE Activity Credit at Secondary (P/PM 146 )  The revised policy gives students the flexibility to take more than one Healthy Active Living Education (HALE) course for credit in each of grades 9 – 12.  Focus courses can now be offered in grade nine. Healthy Schools Recognition program Provincial Fitness Challenge Healthy Schools Working Table Secondary School Student Engagement Funding

Healthy Schools Program October 6, 2005 Press Release “Today the Ministry of Education has taken another important step in supporting healthy schools. The Ministry announced today that 20 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity during instructional time must become an essential part of the school day for all elementary students.” Gerard Kennedy

2005/2006 Announcement of Ministry Funding to Support DPA in Elementary Schools December 12, 2005 Funding Memorandum Deputy Minster Ben Levin sent a memorandum that announced the Ministry investment of $10.7 million to provide schools with a variety of resources to support DPA. The one-time funding was to be used for: professional development; teacher release time; school equipment; human resources. Funds were to be spent by March 31, 2006

February 5, 2007 Funding Memorandum Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne announced further assistance in the implementation of DPA. The announcement stated that: schools play a critical role in helping young children lead healthy active lives; building capacity in schools is an essential component of implementing DPA. The ministry provided $2M to schools and school boards for use in the 2006 / 2007 school year. School Boards received $5000 along with $400 per elementary school. These funds were to be used in key areas such as: professional development (opportunities for principals and teachers); teacher release time for training, leadership, planning; human resources e.g., services of experts/consultants. Kathleen Wynne 2007 Announcement of Ministry Funding to Support DPA in Elementary Schools

2008 Announcement of Ministry Funding to Support DPA in Elementary Schools February 4, 2008 Funding Memorandum  Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne announced a renewal of the funding for the implementation of DPA.  The ministry again provided $2M to schools and school boards for use in the 2007 / 2008 school year.  School Boards received $5000 along with $400 per elementary school.  The funding is to be used for: * professional development, * school equipment, * teacher release time and * human resources

Why should schools implement DPA? Studies show that Daily Physical Activity can provide the following benefits for students: physical health: strong bones, muscles, posture, balance, prevention of chronic diseases, e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer mental health: improved behaviour, social interaction, self image learning ability: time on task, improved academic achievement student leadership Ministry of Education P/PM DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, GRADES 1–8 Curriculum Policy (Part of H&PE Curriculum) IT IS MINISTRY POLICY! IT IS GOOD FOR STUDENTS!

Daily Physical Activity Requirements All students grades 1 – 8 Time allocation: schedule 20 minutes in length Considered only one component of H&PE and must not replace the teaching of H&PE Scheduled during instructional time each school day Lesson content to consist of Warm-up/ Activity/ Cool-down Sustained moderate to vigorous activity Provide a safe environment (includes location and activity) for the participants Varied locations

DPA Requirements All Students Grades 1-8 Participation of All Students All activities must be adapted, as appropriate, to ensure that students with special needs can participate in them. Such adaptations must be consistent with the accommodations and/or modifications that are typically found in a student's Individual Education Plan. Kindergarten Students Although the P/PM is only applicable to elementary students Grades 1-8, schools boards and principals should also ensure opportunities are provided for Kindergarten students to be physically active each day to address the expectation “participate actively in creative movement and other daily physical activities.”

DPA Requirements 20 Minutes of Sustained Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity H&PE Curriculum Expectation: Students will participate in sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity (e.g., an aerobics routine) for a minimum of twenty minutes each day, including appropriate warm-up and cool-down procedures.

Sustained Moderate to Vigorous  increase in breathing and/or heart rate  can carry on a conversation comfortably during the activity  body will begin to feel warm.  examples of moderate physical activity are brisk walking, biking, swimming and recreational dancing.  aerobic in nature  increases the breathing and heart rates enough for cardio respiratory conditioning.  depending on fitness level, make the participant feel quite warm,  talking is possible but the ability to carry on a conversation is limited.  amount of time required for a vigorous activity is dependent on age and stage of development.  examples of vigorous physical activity are jogging, hockey, basketball, fast swimming and aerobic dancing. Moderate Vigorous

DPA Requirements During the Instructional Day Within the 300 minutes of instructional time (i.e.,not before school, during recess, lunch, nutrition breaks or after school) Requirement of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum

DPA Requirements DPA is only one component of a quality H&PE program DPA must not replace the teaching of Physical Education Daily PE is still the ultimate goal

DPA Requirements DPA – Lesson Content Warm-Up To warm up, students should participate in some low-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking. Using the large muscles and gradually increasing speed and intensity in this type of activity gradually increases the heart rate and blood flow to the muscles. During the warm-up, it is important to follow with stretches that move the joints through their full range of motion. Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity It is important to ensure that students participate in the activities in an appropriate manner working towards increasing their ability to participate in them for a sustained period of time. Cool-Down After physical activity, a cool-down period involving a more gentle activity helps the heart and body to return to their normal state. Slow- moving activities and stretches also help normalize the blood flow to the muscles and improve flexibility.

Locations for DPA Gymnasium Fitness Rooms Forums Hallways Outside Classrooms Off-Site

DPA Supports Available Spring Ministry of Education released a set of DPA Guides which Ophea was contracted to help develop Teachers’ Guides “DPA in Schools” Grades 1-3, 4-6, and 7-8. (all teachers) Guide for School Boards (all Boards) Guide for School Principals (all schools) Available to download from Ministry website at:

DPA Supports Available Guide for School Principals DPA background information Developing a school implementation plan Facilities, safety, equipment Communication strategies Sustaining DPA Sample surveys/letters – staff, students, parents Action plan template, Annual review Sample timetables Variety of checklists – planning, implementation

Ophea’s DPA Training Support Services Package DPA Activity Cards Professional Development –web- based workshops for teachers and administrators DPA Resource Database on Ophea.net Access to provincial expertise and support DPA Supplementary Resources e.g., music CD, posters Discounted Kids Health Conference

Ophea Master Trainer and On-line DPA Workshops Ophea offers four Master Trainer DPA workshops for teachers Shake up the Learning Thinking Outside the Gymnasium DPA Anywhere Anytime Anyplace DPA and Dance Ophea offers a master Trainer DPA workshop for administrators Ophea is planning an Integrated DPA workshop Ophea offers an on-line DPA workshop for new administrators and is developing a DPA on-line workshop for new teachers

Other DPA Resources Exercise in Disguise – WCDSB Moving on the Spot – Toronto Public Health CIRA’s “Everybody Moves” Chair Aerobics Cards and Posters - TDSB Health Hustles - TDSB Circuit Cards – TDSB and Thompson Treasure Chest – TVDSB DVPA resources – YRDSB DPA Rings - HPEDSB Kids on the Move – TDSB/MLSE DVD HAT resources; On Your Way to DPA - TCDSB Hooked on DPA - PDSB Words in Motion – HPEDSB TDSB - DPA Supplementary Handbook Kids In Action Speed skating and DPA

Activity #1 Environmental Scan  innovative approaches in your district to implement and sustain DPA  challenges common to a few boards  suggestions as to what is needed to over come the challenges In Groups of 4-6 discuss :