Staying Active During the Pandemic

Being active is one of the best ways for children and adults to stay healthy and ensure overall well-being. In addition to physical health benefits, we know that physical activity helps to improve cognition, relieve stress and anxiety, increase resilience, and boost positive mental health.

During a time when children and adults are spending more time at home due to distance learning and other social distancing measures, however, it can be challenging to find new ways to integrate regular movement and activities into daily life. As many parts of the country move into the colder winter season and outdoor activities options become more challenging, opportunities to be physically active may seem even more limited.

This week we have compiled resources that include libraries of interactive videos, games, and other ideas to help students, parents, and others stay active—whether indoors or outdoors.
Resources
Fitness Breaks
Even quick breaks to stretch, move around, and be active can help to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This resource from Alliance for a Healthier Generation includes short videos to join pro athletes in a quick activity break.
Keeping Children Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This quick tip sheet highlights physical activity guidelines for kids, and lists several ideas for both indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families.
Action for Healthy Kids Resource Library
Find an entire library of indoor and outdoor activities to help kids stay active. Activities help kids explore feelings and emotions and strengthen social skills.
GoNoodle
This free online resource includes interactive videos, games, and activities intended to engage kids in movement and mindfulness. Videos are excellent resources for parents and teachers.
Are you a US PK-12 teacher or school leader?

Research Study on Teacher and Principal Well-Being
We are exploring what makes a school "well." If you choose to participate in this study, you will complete an online survey to share your thoughts about school-related well-being in general and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the survey, we will provide you a shareable link to a clearinghouse of well-being resources for teachers, leaders, and families. To learn more about the research study, click here.
CHHCS Resources
Understanding Social Influencers of Health and Education: A Role for School-Based Health Centers and Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems
Partner Build Grow:
An Action Guide for Sustaining Child Development and Prevention Approaches
Resources for Response to COVID-19 in Schools
Including resources for schools, teachers and parents.
Grant Alerts
Emergency Fund for Educators | National Geographic
Funding to support K-12 educators developing resources to help in remote and hybrid learning environments. Learn more.
Deadline: Rolling
ALDI Smart Kids | ALDI
Funding to support health and wellness of kids through education, arts, physical activity, nutrition, etc. Learn more.
Deadline: December 15, 2020
Underserved Student Education Evaluation Grants | Klingenstein Foundation
Supporting research related to expanding access to mental health care for children. Learn more.
Deadline: January 10, 2021
Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Job Opportunities
Program Lead, Advocacy Education & Community Affairs | Children's Affairs (Washington, DC)
Lead innovative public health and advocacy education programs for diverse learners and lead school health, youth-focused programs. Learn more.
School Psychologist Intern | Excel Academy Charter Schools (Boston, MA)
Provide educational and mental health services to the school community. Learn more.
Special Education Teacher | Youth Villages (Jackson, MS)
Plan individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and other skills. Learn more.
School Nurse | Prince William County Public Schools (Prince William County, VA)
Provide health assessment related to acute and chronic illness, first aid, mental health, and health education for students. Learn more.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
December 9, 2020 12:30 PM ET
Hosted by Great Lakes MHTTC
December 11, 2020 3:00–4:00 PM ET
Hosted by Child Trends, NCSMH, DASH at CDC
December 15, 2020 1:00–3:00 PM ET
Hosted by Education Week
On Demand
Hosted by National Center for School Mental Health
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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