My Day in Chalk: Mapping Sitting Time

Each pair draws a line of 24 boxes on the ground, one per hour of the day, and marks when they sleep, sit, and move. Then they walk it with movement and look for realistic changes to break up sitting time.

How to play

1. Explanation; each student chalks a 24-box line next to their partner's (5 min).
2. Fill in a typical school day with letters: S sleep, C chair time (class, screens, car), M moving. It is personal, and nobody has to show it (4 min).
3. Walk your day: on each C, 5 squats or 5 calf raises; on each M, jog to a point and back; on each S, slow tiptoe steps (5 min).
4. Change challenge: swap two C boxes for something M you really could do (walking to school, active recess, a break between homework) and walk the line again (6 min).
5. Share-out: a class list of ideas to break up sitting at each part of the day (5 min).

Rules

• Nobody comments on or judges anyone else's day.
• Changes should be realistic, not perfect.
• Walk your own line without stepping into others'.
• Squats are controlled, no bouncing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: mark the line with rope or raised tape, and the partner counts boxes.
• Wheelchair users: C tasks become arm raises or wheel pushes; they travel along the side of the line.
• Students with tough home situations (caring for siblings, jobs): validate any small change and avoid comparisons.

Learning goals

• Become aware of how much time is spent sitting.
• Suggest realistic changes to move more each day.
• Connect everyday movement with health.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sidewalk chalk: 15

Teacher tip

If chalk is not allowed, use masking tape or paper strips. Do not rank who moves the most: the goal is for each student to improve their own day.

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