School › Exercise and the body › Ages 6–7
Move your body!
Running, jumping, dancing and playing are good for your body and your brain. Find out what happens to your heart and your breathing when you move, then feel it for yourself.
Read
Moving your body is good for you! Being active makes your muscles and your bones strong.[3][2]
Children should be active for about 60 minutes (one hour) every day. Walking to school, playing in the playground, swimming, dancing and riding a bike all count.[1]
When you run or jump, your heart beats faster and you breathe faster. You feel warmer too.[1][5]
Jumping, climbing, gymnastics and football help your bones and muscles get stronger.[1][5]
Being active is good for your brain too: it helps you pay attention and remember things.[3]
Sitting still for a long time is not so good for your body. If you have been sitting for a long time, get up and move around![1]
Try it: Feel your heart
You need
- Space to jump safely (hall or playground)
- A clock or timer for the teacher
- The worksheet and a pencil
Safety
Leave plenty of space between children and jump on a non-slip floor. Children with a health condition follow their care plan. Anyone who feels dizzy or unwell stops and sits down and tells the teacher.
What to do
- Sit very still for 1 minute. Put your hand flat on your chest. Can you feel your heart? Is it beating slowly or fast?
- Notice your breathing. Is it slow or fast?
- Now jump on the spot for 1 minute (your teacher will time it).
- Put your hand on your chest again. Is your heart beating faster or slower than before? How is your breathing? Do you feel warm?
- Sit and rest for 2 minutes, then feel your heart once more. What has changed?
Play: Moving or sitting still?
Does this get your body moving, or are you sitting still? Tap the right group.
Your best score is kept only on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Quiz
Other ages: Ages 10–11 · Ages 15–16