WHO INFORMATION SERIES ON SCHOOL HEALTH ... - PAHO/WHO

Promoting Physical Activity in Schools
Providing physical activity for specific needs and to all children:
Age:
Children in middle and secondary schools have different needs and interests than those in primary schools
where students should develop basic motor skills that allow participation in a variety of physical activities.
Older students should become competent in a select number of physical activities that they enjoy a lifetime
and succeed in (1).
Disability:
Many children and adolescents in school have physical or cognitive disabilities or chronic health conditions
such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease (55). Such children have equal need of physical activity as other
children. They may be easily discouraged from participating in regular physical activity. Schools and communities
should strive to mainstream disabled students into regular physical education by providing modified
equipment and facilities as well as teaching assistants for these students. Such programme can help these
young people acquire the physical skills and mental benefits of physical activity (56). Also see Annex 2 for
resources.
Strategies for adapted physical education:
Adapting the movement form:
instead of running or walking: rolling across a mat, walking with a partner;
instead of throwing a ball: rolling or carrying.
Adapting the environment:
positioning gym benches for children with difficulties standing for too long; positioning
comfortable gym mats; etc.
Adapting equipment:
smaller racquet handles are easier to control; sponge balls are easier to catch; etc.
Adapting rules and instructions:
pairing students with a partner; accompanying verbal instructions with an demonstration; etc.
Source: http://www.ncpad.org/fun/fact_sheet.php?sheet=285&section=1832;
NCPAD Inclusive Physical Education
WHO Information Series on School Health 20