This study uses data from 2011 and highlights the extent to which various facilities, programs, policies and opportunities are available in Canadian schools (i.e., elementary, middle and high school) for physical activity. Topics include the availability of physical activity or sport facilities, training and development, physical activity programming, curricula and instruction, social environment, evaluation, and school policies related to physical activity and sport.
This resource offers a multicultural approach that explains how to teach older students in multi-ethnic physical education settings and how to expand all student's understanding of international games and sports.
This resource is no longer available online. You can find a hard copy available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, ID #1021
PDF file, 229 pages Published: Sep 2010 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This is a user-friendly resource to link teachers, youth coaches, and community instructors with the multitude of resources available across Canada to support healthy and active school communities.
A hard copy is also available at the Centre Library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, Report ID #1311.
A series of 9 booklets that deals with different types of disabilities and addresses physical education opportunities for each. A practical resource for teachers; includes strategies and ideas to promote inclusion of all students.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Persons with a Disability, ID #1239
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Dec 2009 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights an innovative action research project that required the researcher to build trusting relationships with high school-aged Aboriginal women. A core group of young Aboriginal women developed action initiatives to support opportunities to discuss body image experiences and to raise awareness about the issue beyond their own communities.
pdf file, 1 page Published: 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article summarized a study on why adolescents stop physical activity. The study also relates these reasons to stages of exercise change, using a model describing barriers to youth's participation in recreational activities.
This is a great section on the Physical and Health Education's (formerly known as CAHPERD) website. Here you will find great resources to help you in your advocacy work:
Current research
Facts and stats
Physical education information from across the country
Advocacy tools
You will also find tips for parents, teachers, administrators and politicians on how you can advocate for better physical education and health.
The Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities (ACHSC) promotes healthy school communities through comprehensive school health approaches.
On this site, you will find information about the ACHSC and links to key organizations and publications.
This website can be used to help you develop and access information and resources.
html file, 1 page Published: Aug 2012 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over a two-year time period (2008 to 2010), students at the 10 participating APPLE schools had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, lower caloric intakes, were more active and were less likely to be obese. These positive changes in health behaviours were also seen when compared to students elsewhere in the province. Nine of 10 schools implemented nutrition policies, and all 10 schools adopted daily physical activity policies.
pdf file, 68 pages Published: 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This manual is "designed to provide information, resources and ideas for school communities to encourage their students to walk or bike to school. It includes some practical ideas and steps to help you organize activities at your school."
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth [file cabinet], ID #1123
pdf file, 8 pages Published: Jun 2010 GeoOrigin: Alberta
In 2009, the Alberta Centre for Active Living conducted an environmental scan of active transportation programs in Alberta schools. This was done through an electronic survey and focus groups. This report highlights some of the key findings and provides recommendations.
224 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: International
This issue is a series of research articles that focus on the challenges of combating childhood obesity and the research being done to address it. Volume 16, #1 the Future of Children
This resource is available in the Centre library: Health/Well-being--Obesity, ID #1241
112 pages Published: 2006 GeoOrigin: British Columbia
This resource provides teachers with creative, alternative physical activity ideas to integrate physical activity throughout the day. Includes posters.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth, Report ID #1308.
The purpose of the statement is to present a unified voice and to assist efforts in promoting increased physical education and physical activity for children and youth in the schools of Manitoba.
This resource is also available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children/Youth [filing cabinet], ID#1067
pdf file, 1 page Published: Jun 2006 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article (from the Dietitians of Canada) focuses on a study by the Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities and Dietitians of Canada on ways to create healthier school environments. The "SUCCESS" framework can help schools improve the nutrition offered to students.
This WellSpring article suggests four ways to help teachers change activities so that children experience success and enjoyment when participating in physical activity. This enjoyment will help children maintain physically active lifestyles.
Veugelers P. & Fitzgerald A. (2005). Effectiveness of School Programs in Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Multilevel Comparison. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 432-435
Sallis, J.F., McKenzie, T.L., Conway, T.L., Elder, J.P., Prochaska, J.J., Brown, M., et al. (2003). Environmental interventions for eating and physical activity: A randomized controlled trial in middle schools. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24, 209-217.
The ESTEEM TEAM program sends Canada's Olympic, Paralympic and World Class athletes to classrooms, community clubs or other facilities to encourage children and youth (grades 4-8) to make healthier choices.
The program includes resources for the teacher/leader to prepare for the athlete's visit and to reinforce positive self-development and reduce negative or compromising behaviours.
This is a review of the research the hopes to answer whether out-of-school time programming can be used to help combat America's battle with youth obesity by promoting increased levels of physical activity.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth, ID #1229
Pyle, S.A., Sharkey, J., Yetter, G., Felix, E., Furlong, M.J., & Poston, W.S.C. (2006). Fighting an epidemic: The role of schools in reducing childhood obesity. Psychology in the Schools, 43, 361-376.
Pyle, S.A., Sharkey, J., Yetter, G., Felix, E., Furlong, M.J., & Poston, W.S.C. (2006). Fighting an epidemic: The role of schools in reducing childhood obesity. Psychology in the Schools, 43, 361-376.
This link takes you to over 50 informative articles written for practitioners, parents, teachers, facility designers, policy-makers and researchers about physical activity and leisure for people with disabilities.
This link includes information on various topics, including the following:
This reports demonstrates to Manitobians how to help children and young people enjoy the best possible health now and into their adult lives. The All-Party Task Force was particularly interested in factors that affect children's health in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and injury prevention.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups - Children/Youth, ID #1294
PDF file, 1 page Published: Sep 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights the Saskatchewan Rural Youth Healthy Lifestyles and Risk Behaviours Project.
Little information is available about health issues facing rural youth in Western Canada. A team of researchers assessed the health needs of youth in rural Saskatchewan to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce risky behaviours in this population.
Describes some of the key factors which support and encourage walking in a community. Provides tools to test the walkability of an area and gives tips to help make walking part of a daily routine. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Bauer, K.W. (2004). How can we stay healthy when youre throwing all of this in front of us? Findings from focus groups and interviews in middle schools on environmental influences on nutrition and physical activity. Health Education & Behavior, 31, 34-46.
Describes the status of physical education programs in schools, and discusses the benefits for children. Includes links to related resources. Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
pdf file, 1 page Published: Jun 2007 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article identifies food security as an important determinant of health. The increase in campus food banks, rise in tuition and compulsory fees, and inadequacy of student loan systems, suggest that post-secondary students experience food insecurity.
This handy resource has been developed for workplaces, community groups, conferences and workshops where your participants may be sitting for long periods of time and need to refresh themselves with the occasional energizing active break.
The videos can be played right on the site, or you can download your own free copy.
Verstraete, S.J.M., Cardon, G.M., De Clercq, D.L.R., & De Bourdeaudhuij, I.M.M. (2006). Increasing children's physical activity levels during recess periods in elementary schools: The effects of providing game equipment. European Journal of Public Health, 16, 415-419.
9 pages Published: Mar 2010 GeoOrigin: International
Willenberg, L. J., Ashbolt, R.,Holland, D., Gibbs, L., MacDougall, C., Garrard, J., Green, J. B. & Waters, E. (2010).Increasing school playground physical activity: A mixed methods study combining environmental measures and children's perspectives. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, 210-216. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.02.011
JUMP is a nationwide program that encourages children and youth to be active and to stay active while raising money for an important cause.
The website allows you to register your school or child in this event. You will find resources and tools under the "Teacher" section.
Students can access the "Kids" section, which provides a variety of fun, interactive activities to help motivate them for this event.
Vu, M., Murrie, D., Gonzalez, V., & Jobe, J. (2006). Listening to girls and boys talk about girls physical activity behaviors. Health Education & Behavior, 33, 81-96.
In motion is a provincial strategy to help all Manitobans make physical activity part of their daily lives for health and enjoyment.
In motion works to build partnerships, increase public awareness, develop strategies and measure success.
In motion strategies focus on five specific groups: children, youth, adults, older adults, and families. Settings will include communities, schools and workplaces.
This website helps you search many resources about physical activity, leisure and exercise for people with mobility barriers to physical activity
The programs and resources include the following:
Books, journals, magazines, newsletters, pamphlets and reports.
Neumark-Sztainer, D., Story, M., Hannan, P.J., & Rex, J. (2003). New moves: A school-based obesity prevention program for adolescent girls. Preventive Medicine, 37, 41-51.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Apr 2004 GeoOrigin: Alberta
On page 5 of this WellSpring issue, the article discusses the eating patterns of Alberta grade 7 and 8 students. Results came from the Beyond an Apple a Day (BAAAD) survey of Alberta youth's physical activity and eating habits.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Oct 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over the past 25 years, the number of overweight and obese Canadian children has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, many significant health risks are associated with being overweight during the growing years. This WellSpring article discusses obesity among children and youth, why it is a problem, and what we can do. The article also offers ways for parents, schools, and communities to support active living, healthy eating, and positive body images.
The Petro-Canada Paralympic Schools Program is a free online educational resource for grade 4-9 teachers and students. This program is designed to teach Canadian students about people with disabilities, sport for the physically disabled, and the Paralympics.
Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) is a national, charitable, voluntary-sector organization whose primary concern is to influence the healthy development of children and youth by advocating for quality, school-based physical and health education.
html file, 2 pages Published: 3276 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article summarizes the results of a study to assess the effects of a 12-week physical activity promotion/education program on attitudes towards sport, physical activity, and exercise in an elementary school population.
htm file, 1 page Published: Mar 1999 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article describes a study of the characteristics of Alberta teenagers who take physical education in secondary schools. The study found a significant drop in the number of students (especially females) who take physical education after Grade 10.
For more than 30 years the Premier's Sport Awards Program (p.s.a.p.) has provided teachers and community instructors with sport skill development resources to help teach children and youth their basic sport skills. p.s.a.p. supports the development of physical literacy which is the acquiring of skills and confidence allowing individuals to enjoy a variety of sports and physical activities.
Everett J.S., Brener, N.D., & McManus, T. (2003). Prevalence of school policies, programs, and facilities that promote a healthy physical school environment. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 1570-1575.
Felton, G., Saunders, R.P., Ward, D.S., Dishman, R.K., Dowda, M., & Pate, R.R. (2005). Promoting physical activity in girls: A case study of one school's success. Journal of School Health, 75, 57-62.
Staunton, C.E., Hubsmith, D., & Kallins, W. (2003). Promoting safe walking and biking to school: The Marin County success story. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 1431-1434.
Staunton, C.E., Hubsmith, D., & Kallins, W. (2003). Promoting safe walking and biking to school: The Marin County success story. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 1431-1434.
Pate, R.R., Ward, D.S., Saunders, R.P., Felton, G., Dishman, R.K., & Dowda, M. (2005). Promotion of physical activity among high-school girls: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 1582-1587.
Katz, D.L., O'Connell, M., Ming-Chen, Y., Nawaz, H., Njike, V., Anderson, L.M., et al. (2006). Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings: A report on recommendations of the task force on community prevention services. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports, 54, 1-12.
This is an evaluation of the "Safe Routes for Kids" workshops that were given in 5 California communities to increase the number of children walking or biking to school.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Population Groups--Children and Youth [file cabinet], ID #1228
This resource targets ministries of education and ministries of health to utilize this framework to improve eating and physical activity habits in the school setting.
A link to this resource is unavailable. A hard copy is available in the Centre library: Physical Activity--Policy [file cabinet], ID #1217
html file, 1 page Published: Oct 2012 GeoOrigin: National
Screen Smart! is a school-facilitated intervention program for elementary school children (grades K – 7) designed to raise awareness of and encourage management of recreational screen-time. It aims to increase awareness among students and their families of how much time they spend in front of screens, teaches them to manage screen time, and encourages them to choose recreational activities that support good health. Reducing inactive screen time has many benefits including better school performance and improved well-being.
Sports Day in Canada is a national celebration of sport at all levels. On the ground,in September, over a thousand organizations, schools, teams and towns will hold a blitz of Sports Day in Canada events, with community-wide festivals, try-it days, open houses, games, competitions, meet-and-greets, tournaments, fun runs, spectator events and pep rallies that celebrate sport at all levels.
pdf file, 1 page Published: 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The St. Albert's Active Living Initiative was developed by the City of St. Albert Recreation Services Department to make St. Albert an active living community (with children and youth as the highest priority). This initiative created awareness in the community by mobilizing schools, churches, and developing partnerships. This WellSpring article presents the background to the initiative and includes tips for successful community projects.
Haug, E.,Torsheim, T., Sallis, J.F.,& Samdal, O. (2010). The characteristics of the outdoor school environment associated with physical activity. Health Education Research, 25, 248-256. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/her/cyn050
A Walking School Bus is a great way for kids to get regular exercise and to reduce traffic congestion around the school. In Alberta, invite Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere (SHAPE) to discuss your school's issues and learn more about the Walking/Cycling School Bus program.
Stewart-Brown S. (2006). What is the evidence on school health promotion in improving health or preventing disease and, specifically, what is the effectiveness of the health promoting schools approach? World Health Organization. Retrieved October, 2006, from http://www.euro.who.int/document/e88185.pdf
This workbook is for anyone venturing to create a physical activity policy within their community, school or workplace. It is suitable for people with different levels of experience in policy development.
A hard copy is also available in the Centre Library: Physical Activity--Policies, Report ID #1315.
