Graz demands: More exercise for healthy fourth graders at school!

Graz demands: More exercise for healthy fourth graders at school!

A worrying picture is evident in relation to the physical activity of children in Germany. According to a current view, about 20 percent of fourth graders in Graz are overweight. In order to counteract this, increased promotion of daily gymnastics in schools and kindergartens is required. Kleine Zeitung reports that the influence of regular exercise is of great importance both on the learning success and on the health system.

In order to motivate children to move more, an interesting program is implemented in the Schönau elementary school. Before the entrance to the school, the children are actively invited to participate in sporting activities. Different games are there.
outlined on the forecourt, and the lessons take place in the auditorium, where the children play memory in a sloping support position, among other things. This form of physical education helps to ensure that the children perceive the lessons as "cool", which increases the acceptance and joy of movement.

challenges and solutions

The problem of lacking movement in children has not only been discussed since the pandemic. A WHO study from April 2020 shows that the majority of children and adolescents in 146 countries do not meet the recommended guidelines on physical activity. Journal of Sports Medicine emphasizes that about 75 percent of children in Germany do not achieve the recommended 60 minutes moderate activity per day. This inadequate movement can have serious consequences for mental and physical health.

The need for a concept to promote physical activity in schools is evident. In particular, targeted school sports and the integration of movement in other subjects and during breaks should be encouraged. Positive effects of regular movement units in class have already been documented, and more sports lessons in the curriculum could lead to significant improvements.

sports teachers and support

Another demand in the discussion is the provision of own sports teachers for elementary schools. Current research results illustrate the challenges that sports teachers face. In the “Schulport 2020” project, central topics such as the heterogeneous student body, lack of exercise and the stress potential for sports teachers were examined. Specialist Pedagogy documents the need to train and support teachers more intensively in order to be able to meet these challenges.

Overall, it becomes clear that a rethinking in society is necessary: ​​movement must be recognized and promoted as an essential part of everyday school life. With appropriate measures, not only can the well -being of the children be strengthened, but also preventive against health risks.