Saskatchewan in motion — Daily Physical Activity Manual
A practical guide to daily physical activity.
This manual helps teachers and schools plan, schedule and track daily physical activity. It focuses on simple, flexible ideas that work in any classroom.
What is daily physical activity?
Daily physical activity (DPA) is planned movement that happens during the school day, in addition to or as part of physical education. The goal is to give every student at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity at school each day.
Vary it
Mix endurance, strength, flexibility and fun games so activity stays interesting.
Include everyone
Adapt activities for different abilities, interests and comfort levels.
Give choice
Students who help choose activities are more likely to take part.
Scheduling the 30 minutes
The 30 minutes does not need to happen all at once. Short blocks that add up are just as effective.
- Offer one 30-minute block
- Split it into shorter blocks of 10 or 15 minutes
- Use physical education class time
- Add movement to other subjects
- Use recess and lunch hour with organized activities
Quick movement breaks
- Stretch and breathe breaks
- Action songs and dances
- Walking lessons and scavenger hunts
- Active quizzes and review games
Class activities
- Circuit stations
- Cooperative games
- Fitness challenges
- Skill practice
Use the schoolyard
- Walking clubs
- Tag and relay games
- Nature walks
- Playground challenges
Everyone together
- Active assemblies
- School-wide challenges
- Family activity nights
- Staff activity challenges
Tracking progress
- Keep a simple weekly activity log
- Ask students what they enjoy
- Review the schedule each term
- Celebrate milestones with the whole school
DPA Manual questions
Who is responsible for daily physical activity?
It is a shared responsibility. Teachers, administrators, students, parents and the community each have a role.
What if my classroom is small?
Many activities need very little space, such as stretching, balance games and desk-side movement breaks.
Does it replace physical education?
No. DPA complements physical education and adds more movement to the day.