Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
“Exercise and recreation are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more
necessary, because health is worth more than learning.” (Thomas Jefferson)
“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is
healthy and strong.” (John F. Kennedy).
The above two quotes tie in with my beliefs surrounding healthy living and its
need to be an essential component in the education system. It is valuable to teach students
of all ages the significance of exercise and recreation in their daily lives in and out of
school.
Thus, the inquiry questions I will address in this paper are why schools need to
deem the importance of teaching and incorporating health and physical activity into the
education system? and how can I ensure that this happens daily in my classroom and
encourage my students to want to stay active and healthy when the leave the school? I
want them to want to take this beyond the classroom. In terms of health, I am focusing on
healthy mind, healthy body and healthy eating.
When informed that we were to do an inquiry essay, I instantly knew the focus of
my paper would be on the above questions. Health, nutrition and active living are
elements I have become very fervent about and something I have wanted to explore more
over the last few years. Since I became interested in nutrition and being active, I began to
realize the extent of the importance of teaching, modeling and discussing active living at
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
any age. I also believe children need to be learning about the health issues that can arise
from living a completely sedentary lifestyle and having really poor eating habits.
I have several years of experience in health and nutrition education and found
such passion, joy and personal success in living a life of health. I want to incorporate that
passion and knowledge into my classroom. My goal is to get students, colleagues and
parents aware of the importance and benefits of living a healthy lifestyle in and outside
the classroom. I do not plan to preach my ways to them, instead my intent is to create
awareness and promote change. I hope to be able to instill movement (during lessons and
by having activity breaks throughout the day) more in my classrooms and schools and
limit the amount of sometimes foods being consumed not just by students but teachers
too.
I am going to break this paper up into five categories: My observations and
conversations regarding the questions; the relevance of providing physical education and
daily physical activity in the school system; the importance of teaching and promoting
healthy eating in the schools and outside the schools; the importance of feeling good; and
taking this information beyond the school.
Observations and Conversations:
Over the years of being a student, volunteering in the schools and now currently a
teacher candidate, one issue that I have become more aware of is the lack of a strong
physical education system.
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
I believe that teaching children about living a healthy lifestyle and providing them
with daily physical activity are a very necessary component that is missing and not
deemed as important as other subject areas within the school system. There seems to be a
greater emphasis on job training in this current economic climate and as a result,
academic courses take relevance over all the other non-academic courses. According to
Katie Lepi (2014) “learning should be a well-rounded system”. What I think she means
by this statement is that learning needs to consist of both the academic and the nonacademic content; one is not considered more relevant than the other is and they both aid
in developing well-rounded individuals.
Through conversations, prior knowledge and during my practicum observations, I
know the value and usefulness of hands on, active learning. Active, hands on learning
helps students to learn and retain information better; it is a lot more fun and engaging and
thus students are more interested in the learning and the process. This type of learning
also gets the students moving more and away from just sitting at their desks; they are
more involved in the teaching.
During conversations with educators, I have discovered students need to learn
about how their body reacts and functions with activity; Concepts such as, heart rates and
the changes that occur in regards to their breathing when they are active are important to
teach students. Educators should teach the risks that can occur when individuals are not
physically active on a daily basis and are not eating well-balanced nutritious meals.
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
Another thing I learned through my conversations, teachers need to devise
strategies to turn learning into something that gets the students excited. Therefore,
teachers need to think creatively to get their students engaged in learning about health,
nutrition and physical education; they need to get students to want to eat healthier foods,
get outside more and move more. They can do this not only through teaching it but also
through promoting it and doing it themselves. Ever Active schools
(http://www.everactive.org/linking-activity-and-nutrition-to-academic-achievementmind-body?id=938) states that teachers aid in students’ desire to engage in lifelong daily
physical activity and healthy eating habits. Teachers need to provide their students’ with
the knowledge, and skills to make this happen; they need to demonstrate this by engaging
in it themselves and need to motivate the students to want to be active and eat healthy
daily. Teachers are the ones who have the ability to improve their students’ health and
academic achievement not only through physical education and heath curricula but also
by scheduling in daily physical activity. (Ever Active Schools)
One big issue I observed was how short physical education classes are and just
how irrelevant it appears to be compared to other classes. If the gym is not accessible or
something else comes up in the day, students often lose out on their physical education
time. This is a very unfortunate truth; students need this time to be active. I have
witnessed a few examples of this occurring when the gym is set up for a concert and they
are unable to go outside due to poor weather conditions.
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
Lastly, through various discussions with educators, I discovered that food choices
play a huge role in a student’s behavior and their ability to focus and learn. If students
have balanced lunches and snacks, they typically behave better, and are more focused;
they are more alert and have higher academic success. The opposite occurs when
students’ lunches filled with sometimes foods and/or they come to school without a lunch
and/or snack.
Overall, because of these observations and conversations, I gained some valuable
information regarding my inquiry questions and to help answer my questions.
Relevance of physical activity in the schools
According to statistics Canada, a third of Canadians aged five to seventeen are
overweight or obese. The council of Health Promotion, states that currently 7% of
Canadian children are meeting the daily requirement of spending 1 hour per day being
active and only 19% of children between the ages of ten and sixteen spend the
recommended two hours a day of screen time. Presently, children and youth spend about
eight hours a day in front of screen. (Wilson, 2012). These are scary statistics and unless
we start taking these facts seriously and make some changes, these issues are more than
likely going to get worse. These changes need to happen at home and in the schools.
These statistics further support my inquiry question regarding the need to make and
incorporate health and physical activity a top priority in and out of the schools.
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
Based on the statistics, it is necessary that children understand the importance of
and require the opportunity to be active every day. In addition, teaching and
demonstrating the importance of healthy eating and the harsh realities of the various
diseases and illness that come with living a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle is also
crucial. Comprehending the importance of and living a healthy lifestyle is something that
children should have knowledge of and exposure to right from birth. Not only should it
be instilled in them by their parents, but teachers should also be teaching this and
modeling it to their students. Schools are a place where children spend most of their time
growing up; as a result, teachers are among some of the most influential people to them.
Just like parents, teachers need to be teaching children the importance of being active and
eating right to aid in maintaining a long and healthy lifestyle. Teachers need to provide
their students with thirty minutes of daily physical activity each school day
(http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dpa/). Teachers can spread this out throughout the day in tenminute increments, in order to optimize it without the fear of it impacting their daily
schedule. On the days that the students have physical education, these additional
opportunities for physical education can still happen. Gym class does not need to replace
it.
In the article Why Schools need a Powerful Physical Education Policy, 2014,
Katie Lepi focuses in on the importance of physical education in schools. She states that
physical education comes with a variety of benefits. It aids in students’ “physical wellbeing, social and emotional well-being, literacy and communication skills, learning
approaches and cognition, numeracy and mathematics and science and technology.”
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
(Lepi, 2014). If taught right, physical education provides the opportunity for all to feel
included and want to participate, and it develops the “knowledge and confidence
[needed] to drive academic [success,]”(Lepi, 2014-http://www.edudemic.com/physicaleducation-policy/). - Having a powerful physical education system and making it a top
priority in the schools allows for greater academic achievement, better concentration
levels and fewer behavior issues in the classrooms, and obesity rates decrease and people
live longer.
To build on what Lepi stated, Ratey discusses how physical activity produces
proteins that travel up to the brain and help with processing thoughts. Through daily
physical activity, students tend to be more alert, motivated and thus ready to learn. It is
what optimizes our brains to function best. (Ratey, J.,2008). Thus increasing physical
education classes or adding in the recommended thirty minutes of physical activity
improves grades, attention spans, as students are ready and more willing to learn. (Ever
Active Schools, 2009-http://www.everactive.org/linking-activity-and-nutrition-toacademic-achievement-mind-body?id=938)
Various research studies present evidence that physical activity provides immense
positive impacts on students’ well being and academic success. Sigfu ́sdo ́ttir et al state
that providing time for daily physical activity within the school day, helps improve
students’ ability to concentrate and focus on their learning - it helps with students’ ability
to read and write. (Sigfu ́sdo ́ttir et al., 2006). This responds to why schools need to
schedule time for daily physical activity every day.
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
There is even evidence that recess is a valuable part of a students’ day. According
to Katie Lepi, 2014 “Recess reduces stress, decreases restlessness, teaches conflict
resolution and problem solving, and helps develop cognitive abilities.”(Lepi, 2014http://www.edudemic.com/get-60-minutes-activity-infographic/). Lepi’s statement is
valuable but only occurs if students are active during this time. Unfortunately, nowadays
more children are using recess as a time to play on their electronic devices, sit around and
play card games, and spend less time moving around. Students need to be encouraged to
move around at recess and lunch; by offering intramural and extramural sports, students
are encouraged to be active before, during and afterschool.
Lastly, according to Robert Murray, MD and Catherine Ramstetter, PhD, in the
crucial role of recess in School, 2013, regular physical activity breaks throughout the
school day are crucial to positive academic performance and cognitive processing. The
amount of breaks and the time allotted for these breaks are just as important as the breaks
itself; the breaks have to be long enough to allow for the students to “mentally
decompress” and refocus. These breaks are in addition to physical education and do not
replace it. (Murray et al. 2013)
Importance of Healthy eating- teaching and promoting it
I believe that physical activity and eating well-balanced meals are very important
in the field of teaching because food intake and daily activity levels can greatly affect
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
students’ behaviors, concentration levels and academic abilities. In my personal
experience, I know that if I am tired, hungry and/or have been sitting for long periods my
ability to concentrate and get things done are a lot more difficult.
Eating well-balanced healthy meals daily is very important to the well being of a
growing child. Not only is it important for their well being, it also plays a role in their
academic success. According to Sigfu ́sdo ́ttir et al. those who consume diets that are
generally unhealthy and lack various essential nutrients, tend to have behavior issues that
can affect their ability to learn and thus hinder them academically. (Sigfu ́sdo ́ttir et al.,
2006)
Many parents lack the knowledge regarding nutrition and healthy eating; as a
result, children grow up with no understanding of it. Schools, therefore are the best place
for students to learn about healthy eating and teachers are the best people to teach and
demonstrate healthy eating. Students spend 2000 hours in schools per year, so it is the
most logical place to teach and encourage students to eat right and be active. Teachers
typically have the knowledge, resources, and tools to teach healthy eating in such a way
that sparks interest in each student. It is critical to teach what healthy eating is, how it
looks, and why it is important and necessary for every individual at any age. You want to
be sure to do this in an active way to allow for engagement and make it inclusive in the
learning. From here students can take that knowledge and teach their parents about the
healthy eating.
Consuming a healthy diet and eating regularly allows for students to get all their
daily nutrients and thus supports brain functioning. Following such a diet is known to
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
improve performance on test scores and grade point averages and the opposite seems to
occur when students diets are full of foods considered less nutritious. Lack of available
food and food choices, and thus, leaving one hungry, also plays a crucial role in brain
functioning. Hunger can lead to the inability to function; concentrate and pay attention in
school, and as a result has negative affect on the students’ academic scores.
When it comes to healthy eating, it is also important that students are coming to
school fueled; they should be eating a well-balanced breakfast every morning. Having
enough time to sit and eat a healthy breakfast, wakes up the mind and body, helps with
short-term memory, test scores, creativity and physical endurance. By consuming
breakfast, students pay attention more, are less distracted and are more alert in class.
(Alberta Health Services)
Overall, everyone’s eating habits are not only important to their well being but
also to their brain development. When it comes to healthy eating habits, it is important to
consider what students are eating, and what foods or lack of foods are available to them.
Importance of a healthy mind and body and the impact it has on academic
achievement
In terms of a healthy mind and body, I am referring to a child’s psychological
well-being. I have found that students tend to have a healthier sense of self- esteem when
they are physically active and eating healthy foods on a daily basis. These students
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
generally feel better about themselves, are more social, do better academically, more
confident and want to continue to take care of themselves. In school, these students are
more outgoing, engaged in various school activities, more motivated, and take the
initiative more in school.
Taking it beyond the classroom
When developing my inquiry question, I kept coming back to the Galileo process
of inquiry. I believe that it is important to fostering my inquiry and where I want to go
with my inquiry questions and my goals for my students. The Galileo.org website refers
to improving students learning and academic achievement which fits in with the
importance of incorporating daily physical activity and teaching the need to eat healthy.
“Galileo is about collaboration” and improving professional development.
(http://galileo.org/about-galileo/). Teachers need to collaborate with specialists and learn
meaningful ways to teach and incorporate the issues my paper addresses surrounding
healthy living. There are so many helpful resources and tools out there to help teachers
and give them ideas on how to teach and incorporate physical activity, healthy living, and
developing a healthy mind for their students. “Galileo Educational Network Association
(GENA) challenges educators to think and act beyond the familiar and conventional
boundaries of our learning and teaching practices.” (http://galileo.org/about-galileo/). To
benefit the students’ learning, teachers need to teach and implement strategies that will
aid in their academic achievement. Lastly my goal within my inquiry question is to get
my students to take the knowledge learned, tools, strategies and activities beyond the
school walls. I want students to get excited to go home and teach their parents, and
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
implement these things as often as possible. Galileo talks about the importance of taking
it beyond the classroom.
The following are some strategies to help move beyond the school walls:

Community center’s – get kids to experience certain activities and healthy
ideas – introduce them or have them research things available at
community centers or rec centers where they can then bring their families.
This fosters growth externally from the classroom because there are
multiple activities available for all age groups, including whole family
activities

Outside activities- Geocaching, playing Frisbee, catch, tennis, kick the
can, going for hikes, runs, etc. - get them to explore what parks are near
their house – have them report back about they did or can do there – have
students create games and activities. Anything that involves movement.

Ways to be active within households – Things like using the stairs –
introducing kids to interactive board games (quelf, Pictionary,
scattegories, etc.). Inspiring imagination and creativity for youth to engage
in and create their own activities when at home.

Healthy eating tools – get them excited to share with their parents and then
through different tools that display this. Have students create a nutrition
booklet that challenges them to take it home and introduce their families to
these new inexpensive recipes with the knowledge to explain why these
foods will benefit them. Students should feel inspired, by this wealth of
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
knowledge they have developed at school, to share with their families and
to feel like educators in their own right.

NUTRITION – how to get kids eating healthy at home. In class, expose
them to various types of foods to try, taste sessions for examples. Figure
out what they like, or don’t like, and encourage them to bring in a favorite
family dish for others to try.
To conclude, I strongly feel that by creating awareness, modeling and
incorporating a healthy school and classroom can go a long way. Besides family and
friends, teachers play a huge role in children’s lives. We become role models to these
students so it is important that we are demonstrating healthy living in all aspects: food
choices, being active on a daily basis, and engaging in healthy relationships with staff,
parents, children and whomever else they may interact with.
I look forward to continue researching my inquiry questions and figuring out the
best way to implement this inquiry in my practice in the future.
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
References:
BCMJ_54_Vol7_cohp.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.bcmj.org/sites/default/files/BCMJ_54_Vol7_cohp.pdf
Galileo Educational Network. (n.d.). Galileo Educational Network. Retrieved March 13, 2014,
from http://galileo.org
if-sch-nfs-evidence-brief-school-performance.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/SchoolsTeachers/if-sch-nfs-evidence-brief-schoolperformance.pdf
Linking activity and nutrition to academic achievement| Mind and body.(n.d.) Retrieved
(2014) from http://www.everactive.org/linking-activity-and-nutrition-to-academicachievement-mind-body?id=938
Murray, R., Ramstetter, C., Devore, C., Allison, M., Ancona, R., Barnett, S., … Young, T.
(2013). The Crucial Role of Recess in School. Pediatrics, 131(1), 183–188. doi:10.15
Not All Fun And Games: The Importance Of Student Exercise. (n.d.). Edudemic. Retrieved
from http://www.edudemic.com/get-60-minutes-activity-infographic/
Quality physical education policy. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2014, from
http://visual.ly/quality-physical-education-policy
42/peds.2012-2993
Inquiry Paper-EDUC 451
Soraiya Abdulla
Sigfúsdóttir, I. D., Kristjánsson, Á. L., & Allegrante, J. P. (2007). Health behaviour and
academic achievement in Icelandic school children. Health Education Research, 22(1),
70–80. doi:10.1093/her/cyl044
Trudeau, F., & Shephard, R. J. (2010). Relationships of Physical Activity to Brain Health and
the Academic Performance of Schoolchildren. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine,
4(2), 138–150. doi:10.1177/1559827609351133
Why Food Education Matters. (n.d.). Edudemic. Retrieved from
http://www.edudemic.com/why-food-education-matters/
Why Schools Need A Powerful Physical Education Policy. (n.d.). Edudemic. Retrieved from
http://www.edudemic.com/physical-education-policy
Prezi presentation link: http://prezi.com/jfou-7lda8ml/edit/#0
Some helpful links:
http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/nutrition-policies
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/health/2013_food_guidelines.pdf
http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/healthy-ontario/active-living/fun-afterschool.asp
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/index-eng.php