Change in legislation aims to increase physical activity among pupils
Jussi Melkko, a teacher of physical education and health education at Juhannuskylä School, also works as a tutor teacher for physical activity in basic education. He says there is a great need to get pupils moving in both primary and lower secondary schools.
– The differences in children’s physical activity have grown, and the gap already starts to widen in primary school. Family hobbies have an impact, as does whether there are opportunities to take part in physical activities in one’s own neighbourhood. Not everyone is able to walk or cycle to school either, he points out.
For children and young people who practise sports in clubs, a lack of variety can be a risk. Hobbies are now expensive, so many families no longer have the same opportunities as before to take part in several sports.
As a tutor teacher, Melkko visits different schools and organises model lessons. The content depends on the physical education facilities available at each school, but the programme includes obstacle courses, apparatus gymnastics, ball games and physical activity games, for example. The aim is that the same exercises can be adapted for use in every school.
– It is not yet entirely clear how the new act will affect everyday life in schools. At the same time, savings are also threatening tutor teacher activities related to physical activity, which does not sit well with the obligations set out in the act, he says.
Cooperation with guardians is important
Annika Urvikko, Pedagogical Specialist in Education Services, says that during the spring, principals and tutor teachers for physical activity and hobbies have received training as part of the Lupa liikkua Lupa harrastaa activities. They will share the information further in their schools.
– Next school year, we will offer schools and staff various training opportunities to strengthen their competence. We will probably also carry out campaigns and communications measures to promote a physically active lifestyle, Urvikko says.
Schools will also receive guidance and advice on the new act, especially during the next school year, when the act enters into force. The implementation of the act will also be monitored and evaluated extensively, including through schools’ school year plans.
Because families play a significant role in children’s physical activity, cooperation with guardians will be strengthened. Guardians will also be encouraged through communications to take part in promoting a physically active lifestyle. Cooperation and activities will take place at school level.
There is already strong cooperation with sports clubs and associations within the Lupa liikkua Lupa harrastaa activities. According to Urvikko, this cooperation will be increased further.
– Local sports clubs, associations and companies enrich everyday school life by offering their expertise, equipment and facilities, and by taking part in organising events and lessons. Cooperation gives teachers ideas for making physical education lessons more varied, gives pupils opportunities to try different forms and places of physical activity, increases awareness of hobby opportunities and lowers the threshold for being physically active, she explains.
Urvikko emphasises that the purpose of the amendment is to have a broad impact on the operating culture of the school community, from the structure of timetables to teachers’ pedagogical choices and journeys to school.
Juhannuskylä School invests in physical activity during breaks
The yard of Juhannuskylä School’s Rautatienkatu building is small and, before the upcoming renovation, also cramped. This means that physical activity during breaks is limited, but the school is still investing in daily physical activity.
– We have, for example, activities in the sports hall during breaks and activity breaks planned by health education pupils. Lessons are also held outside the classroom as walking lessons. The aim now is to make physical activity more systematic, Jussi Melkko says.
According to him, school coaches have an important role in organising physical activity during breaks.
Melkko also praises the Lupa liikkua Lupa harrastaa activities.
– They are very popular and can help young people find a new physical activity hobby. Funding from the activities has also enabled schools to acquire equipment for breaks, he says.
However, Melkko points out that physical activity does not have to be a hobby.
– The most important thing is to move. Physical activity does not need to be guided or competitive.
