Understanding Active Health Education
Hi everyone! I hope you are having an amazing day! My name is Maya Creswick, and I am in my second year of the Physical Health Education program. My educational journey has been shaped by my passion for physical activity, wellness and caring for others. Growing up, I was involved in various sports such as basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, and track. Participating in these sports helped me maintain a healthy active lifestyle and built lifelong friendships. Watching how physical activity brings people together, with different interactions, such as smiles and laughter, inspired me to pursue a career as a Physical Health Education teacher. I have always enjoyed supporting and looking out for others, which I believe is an important quality to have for any type of teacher. Physical activity became a personal way of clearing my mind and reducing stress, and it motivated me to help others develop their own healthy, active lifestyles. I love helping and caring for others, and I am excited to share this passion as I continue on my journey in this program.
Active health education can have a huge impact on young lives by encouraging physical activity and shaping how young people view their overall health and well-being. Physical activity is about feeling energized, connecting with others, having fun, and escaping from any stressful times in your life. Personally, P.E. was my favourite subject because it allowed me to move my body, enjoy the freedom of activity, play fun games with my classmates, and build healthy habits. Physical activity is not just a requirement but is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Now, when young people are given the opportunity to engage in fun physical activities, they begin to see movement not as a chore, but as something they genuinely enjoy. It becomes something they look forward to, an opportunity to have fun and stay active. As an educator, it’s important to recognize that students have diverse interests, whether in art, science, or gaming. P.E. might not be everyone’s favourite, so it’s important to make classes exciting and inclusive. Offering students choices and encouraging them to suggest ideas can help create positive experiences. This approach can promote a lifelong love for physical activity and encourage healthy habits. For example, you could create “fitness challenges” where students can choose from a variety of activities like relay races, tournaments, or obstacle courses. This variety would allow every student to find something they enjoy while staying active.
For educators, understanding key concepts like the 24-hour movement behaviours and the components of health are essential. These guidelines highlight the delicate balance between movement, rest, and sleep that is so important for a healthy life. Teaching students simple yet powerful practices, like taking active breaks, setting aside screens for restful sleep, or simply listening to their bodies can guide them toward a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Helping students build routines that help improve their mental and physical well-being is so important. In conclusion, I believe physical activity is an essential aspect of our lives and as someone who loves helping and caring for others, I am excited to become a physical health educator.
