School Wellness - Before, During, and After School Physical Activity

Providing regular opportunities for students to be physically active helps them concentrate and pay attention and improves their behavior in class. Regular physical activity is also an essential part of a healthy lifestyle increasing fitness, flexibility and strength, and creating healthy habits. There is a growing body of research focused on association between school-based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance among school-age youth.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP): A Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) is a multi-component approach by which school districts and schools use all opportunities for students to be physically active, meet the nationally-recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime. A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all of the components: quality physical education as the foundation, physical activity before, during, and after school, staff involvement, and family and community engagement.
Balanced Energy Physical Activity (BEPA) Toolkit: The BEPA-Toolkit provides educators with materials and activity ideas that can be used in and outside of the classroom and before, during, or after school to increase children’s physical activity time at school. BEPA represents an evidence-based behaviorally focused program that seamlessly integrates the components of energy balance: healthful eating and physical activity.
Go Noodle: Hundreds of videos that get kids active at school and at home.
Playworks: Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Today, Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children's social and emotional health.
Balanced Energy Physical Activity (BEPA) Toolkit: The BEPA-Toolkit provides educators with materials and activity ideas that can be used in and outside of the classroom and before, during, or after school to increase children’s physical activity time at school. BEPA represents an evidence-based behaviorally focused program that seamlessly integrates the components of energy balance: healthful eating and physical activity.

For additional information or questions, contact the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs at
Email: ODE School Nutrition or Phone: 503-947-5894.