Ontario Physical and Health Education Association, aka Ophea, is a not-for-profit organization stationed in Canada. Their vision is congruent with the goals outlined in Healthy Teens. Ophea promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all children and youth through the participation of their schools and communities.
Teaching tools are available on Ophea’s site in the form of lesson plans, program and resource supplements, and activities. Each tool targets specified grades (K-12) and topics in health and physical education, but all reside under the umbrella of encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. Signing up to access these resources is definitely worth the effort. Ophea also offers professional learning services to educators and other professionals in need of health, recreation, and education training. Ophea is doing awesome things for the province of Ontario, and one resource Healthy Teens wants to share with us in the United States, is their “HANDS UP” video series. HANDS UP for Physical and Health Literacy, is a three-part video series that introduces children to the concept of physical and health literacy, relates the concept to their own lives, and encourages the application of literacy skills in order to live a happy life.
The first part is designed for children aged 4-9.
The second is intended for children aged 8-13.
The final part is designed for youth 12-18.
Averaging a mere three minutes per video, these are fantastic tools to use both at home and in the classroom. The speed-drawing artist is clever, engaging, and sure to keep eyes wide open while viewing. Thanks to Ophea for sharing these simple, but remarkable aids to promote physical and health literacies.