Weekly Physical Activity Plan Design
Students design a realistic personal weekly physical activity plan based on the guideline of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity every day. It builds independence, planning skills and healthy habits.
How to play
- Explain the guideline for kids and teens: 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity every day, including muscle-strengthening activities at least 3 days a week (1.5 min).
- Hand out a template or have students draw a chart in their notebook with the 7 days and three columns: activity, minutes and intensity (1 min).
- Each student fills in their week with realistic activities: walking or biking to school, after-school sports, games, walks or active chores (3 min).
- Add up the minutes for each day and highlight the days that reach 60 (1 min).
- In pairs, students swap plans and the partner suggests one realistic improvement for a day that falls short (2 min).
- Adjust the plan and write one specific commitment for this week (1.5 min).
Rules
- The plan must be personal and realistic, fitting each student's schedule.
- Respect others' plans, without comparing or judging.
- Include at least one active rest day.
- Safety: choose familiar, safe activities, and rest if there's an injury or pain.
Variations
Easier
Plan a single day with at least 60 minutes of activity.
Standard
Plan the full week with minutes and intensity.
Harder
Track the plan for a month and compare what was planned with what was done.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: include activities suited to the student's abilities, such as swimming, chair exercises or adapted sports.
- Autism or reading and writing difficulties: a picture template with activity icons to stick on or point to.
- Less active students: start with smaller goals, such as 30 minutes a day, and build up.
Learning goals
- Know the daily physical activity guideline for kids and teens.
- Independently plan an active, realistic week.
- Build healthy habits outside of school hours.
Equipment for a class of 25
- notebooks: 25
- pencils: 25
Teacher tip
Stress that getting around on foot and active play count too: many students think only organized sports count. Follow up on the commitment next lesson to keep it going.
PatioLab has "Weekly Physical Activity Plan Design" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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