Feature Story

Advocating for Health Education

With increasing focus on testing in core subject areas such as reading, math, and science, why should you advocate for the continuation of health classes in your school? The answer is clear. Health education not only improves the well-being and health of students, it also improves student learning.
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NBC Learn

The NBC News Archives on Demand Health and Wellness video collection provides 3–5 minute video clips that focus on positive lifestyle choices and the latest research in health science. Explore body systems, health and hygiene, exercise and fitness, food and nutrition, and advances in medicine, along with mental health resources addressing self-image, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, and mental health disorders.
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Fitness Zone

Fitness Zone activities provide a good way to integrate fitness into your classroom. You can use them to give students a quick break between subjects, so they settle down to focus on new material more easily.

Follow Me!

This is a good activity to get students out of their chairs and moving!

• Place all students in a line. The first student starts walking around the room in a large circle.
• The second student starts to follow the first student and tries to move like the first student.
• After a few times around the circle, the first student goes to the end of the line and the third student in line starts to follow the second student.
• Repeat the exercise until all students have had a turn.

You can find more energy boosters like these in FitnessZone.

Professional Development

Tips for Advocating the Importance of Good Health

Many studies show that a school health education program can reduce health risk behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and actions that increase stress, injury, and violence. Studies also indicate that children who eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet and engage in physical activity perform better in school. As a health education professional, it is necessary to advocate the importance of good health and the benefits a health curriculum serves to students, school, and the community.
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Teacher Tips—What Works!

Teacher tips are tried-and-true teaching strategies developed by health education teachers around the country. Take a look at some classroom activities that really work.
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