Physical Activity

Browse these resources to learn more about the CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Physical Activity Initiative.

• Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Pacing Guides

• CATCH Physical Education instruction is standards-aligned and designed to promote enjoyment and participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while emphasizing non-elimination games for K-8 children of all skill levels and physical abilities.

  For ordering CATCH curriculum, visit CATCH.org. For hard copy CATCH curriculum materials and equipment, order from School Specialty.

  • Lesson Description – Explains the framework of a complete CATCH lesson.
  • Lesson Planning Template – A template to organize a CATCH lesson plan.
  • Pacing Guides – 10 CATCH lessons depending on grade level.
    • ECE
    • Grades K-2
    • Grades 3-5

  
  For information on how to use CATCH activities with playground stencils, refer to the "Playground Stencil Projects" section on this page.

• Playground Stencil Projects

• Playground stencil projects transform outdoor spaces into vibrant learning zones that spark enthusiasm for physical activity through engaging, low-cost designs. When paired with evidence-based curricula, it further enhances motor skill development and supports educators in integrating movement and academic concepts throughout the school day.

  • Goals of Playground Stencils – 5 primary goals for playground stencils.
  • Stencil Art Activities: A Grown Up's Guide – Complete start-up guide to stencil project activities for teachers and community partners.
  • How-To Stencil Guide – Complete guide to implementing a stencil project from start to finish.

  
  This section includes information on how to use Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) activities with playground stencils. For general information about CATCH, please refer to the "Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Pacing Guides" section on this page.

  • CATCH ECE & Stencils
  • CATCH (Grades K-2) & Stencils
  • CATCH (Grades 3-5) & Stencils
• Physical Activity One-Pagers
• These Physical Activity One-Pagers provide accessible, ready-to-share information to help promote physical activity and support healthy, active communities.
   
  • Warm-Up and Stretch! – Guides participants through a 5–10 minute warm-up and stretching routine.
  • 4 Tips to Stay Active in Elementary School – Four easy tips to stay active in elementary school.
  • Benefits of Physical Activity: Elementary and High School – Benefits of physical activity for elementary and high school students.
  • 4 Tips to Stay Active as You Age – Four easy tips to stay active as you age.

CalFresh Healthy Living UC’s playground stencil projects are just one example of how we strive to build comprehensive programming at each school that we work with. In addition to playground stencils, CFHL, UC offers nutrition education, physical activity education, garden-enhanced nutrition education, and many other approaches to support a healthy lifestyle.

• By the end of FFY 2024, CFHL, UCCE Shasta Cluster provided CATCH training to 60 paraprofessionals in Redding Elementary School District culminating in over 440 hours of PA and nutrition education delivered to their afterschool classes.
• In FFY 2024, CFHL, UCCE Tehama County collaborated with Tehama State Preschool to improve access and appeal of PA among students to include a painted playground stencil project. As a result, the students have a brand-new colorful playground to encourage active play and learning at their preschool sites.
• In San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, CFHL, UCCE staff trained 20 Santa Maria Recreations and Parks (SMRP) staff with the knowledge and skills to implement CATCH PE which in turn increased the quality of and opportunities for age-appropriate structured PA delivered to youth. The Program Supervisor shared, “...it was rewarding to see our Rec Leaders utilizing many of the activities they learned from you…”