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In Alberta, we have learned by experience that we can increase the physical activity levels of kids in school, but we can also do more to support or guide families towards more physical activity.   

This article contains a number of ideas for school communities to engage parents and promote physical activity in the home and community.  Read on for suggestions about communicating with families and promoting community and school events to get families involved and more physically active! 

Communication Tools
The first step to mobilizing the family is to provide quality information about the benefits of physical activity, and the opportunities available locally for families to be active together. 

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Consider the following examples of communications tools:

• Include a regular section in your school newsletter about the benefits of being active. For example, offer information and tips about local opportunities or services, such as fitness programs or classes that take place in the school or other nearby venues.
• Each month, inform parents through handouts, e-mails or newsletters about the school’s physical education curriculum activities. Encourage parents to talk with their kids about the activities and encourage children and parents to do the activities at home.
• Similarly, provide information or presentations that encourage parents and children to use active transportation to and from school, such as walking and cycling together.
• In the school, use a centrally located bulletin board to promote family physical activity.  Post regularly updated and seasonal information about local fitness clubs or programs, sports activities and events, and other physical activity opportunities and ideas.

Community Events
School facilities are a great place to bring the community together. Consider hosting special community events where families are invited to participate. For example:

• Family Triathlon – set up a small triathlon (or “duathlon” if you cannot access a pool) for the community and encourage families to swim, bike, and run as they complete the course together. Another option would be to have family members each complete one “leg” or portion of the event.  
• Dance, Dance, Revolution – This is not a video game, but a real live dance!  After students have learned a variety of dances in phys ed class, invite families to a “barn dance” event. Students can teach their parents the dances they’ve learned and dancing provides an excellent chance for the community to get together and have some fun while being active!  Don’t forget the line dances and mixers to get everyone on the floor!
• Fitness Centre – Consider developing a fitness centre that can be used by students and staff during the day and community members at night.  Apply for grants to help cover equipment and renovation costs.

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School Events
Physical activity can be added to just about any school event – don’t wait for big events only!  Take steps to “energize” some of the standard  events at your school. Allow time at each event for students and parents to do some activities. Here are some examples:

• Parent/Teacher interviews – Provide activity stations in the gym or in open classrooms so children can participate with one or both of their parents at some or all of the stations. Create a flexible time schedule, so parents can do the activities between interviews.
• Open Houses – Build a sense of energy at your Open House events by offering physical activities. For example, provide one or more phys ed stations or activities, so students and parents understand that your school is keen on daily physical activity for all students.
• School Assemblies – Add energy and fun to your assemblies by including physical activities. For example, use the energetic and fun “Aroostasha” chant and group exercise to get all participants moving and help them remember the benefits of physical activity.
• Other School Events – Remember to regularly include some physical activity elements at most school events, such as volunteer teas, grandparent’s day, Christmas concerts and awards ceremonies.

In many schools and school divisions across Alberta, the comprehensive school health approach has contributed to increasing physical activity levels among students, their families and communities.

Supporting the development of active families is an essential part of a healthy, active school community.  Take up the challenge to “activate” more families in your own school community!

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Learn More

Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities.
Granting Opportunities for Alberta’s Youth – a summary of many of the grants available for youth in Alberta.

Alberta Triathlon Association
Kids of Steel information, event support and ideas.

Ever Active Schools.
Assembly energizers (like the Aroostasha activity/chant), family events and more!  Check out the implementation supports (physical activity), the Summer Active and Winter Active guides, and the Promising Practices database.

Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere.
Offers information on active transportation for schools and families.