Physical Health and Active Learning

Physical Health and Active Learning: Why Movement Matters and How Outdoor Activities Fight Sedentary Habits in Schools

It’s no secret that today’s students are spending more time sitting than ever before at desks, in front of screens, and during structured learning time. As educators, this shift toward sedentary habits raises an important question: how can we bring movement back into learning? Physical health and active learning are deeply connected, and outdoor activities play a powerful role in promoting both engagement and well-being in schools.

Why Movement Matters

Research consistently shows that physical activity enhances not only a child’s physical health but also their cognitive development. Movement boosts blood flow to the brain, improving focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. When students are active, they’re not just building muscles, they’re strengthening their ability to learn. Exercise also releases endorphins, the brain’s natural mood boosters, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to happier and more motivated learners.

But beyond biology, movement also supports social and emotional growth. Team activities, cooperative games, and outdoor exploration help students develop communication, empathy, and teamwork skills. These experiences remind us that learning isn’t confined to textbooks; it happens through doing, exploring, and connecting with others.

Combating Sedentary Habits

In many classrooms, the structure of the school day encourages sitting still for long periods, which can lead to fatigue, inattention, and even long-term health concerns. Outdoor learning and active lessons offer a natural counterbalance. Something as simple as a nature walk to explore local plants or a math relay game on the playground can transform passive learning into active engagement. These activities not only get students moving but also make learning tangible and memorable.

Teachers can also integrate movement into indoor lessons through short “brain breaks,” stretching sessions, or kinesthetic learning strategies like acting out vocabulary words or forming human number lines in math. These small shifts keep energy levels balanced and minds alert.

The Power of Outdoor Education

Outdoor learning goes beyond just “getting fresh air.” It provides authentic opportunities for students to connect with their environment, take risks, and build confidence. Whether it’s measuring shadows to learn about angles, journaling observations about wildlife, or building teamwork through group challenges, the outdoors offers endless possibilities for meaningful, cross-curricular learning.

Outdoor classrooms also help students develop a sense of place and stewardship. When children spend time learning outside, they begin to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem responsible for caring for their community and the natural world.

Creating a Culture of Movement

Fighting sedentary habits isn’t about replacing academics with physical activity it’s about integrating movement into the learning experience. Schools can foster this by designing flexible spaces, encouraging outdoor play, and supporting teachers with resources for active learning. When movement becomes part of school culture, students thrive physically, mentally, and academically.

Final Thoughts

Physical health and active learning are not separate from education they are essential to it. By bringing more movement and outdoor experiences into the classroom, we give students the tools they need to learn deeply, think clearly, and grow holistically. The more we encourage students to move, explore, and interact with their environment, the more we help them build lifelong habits of curiosity, wellness, and joy in learning.

Sources

ParticipACTION (Canada) – The Role of Schools in Getting Kids Moving.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Why kids need to move more.

Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) – Sedentary Behaviour in Canadian Children and Youth.

Outdoor Play Canada – Outdoor learning and play boost children’s development.