Strategies that support guideline 4 (implement a comprehensive physical activity program with quality physical education as the cornerstone) include:

• Require students in kindergarten through grade 12 to participate in daily physical education that uses a planned and sequential curriculum and instructional practices that are consistent with national or state standards for physical education.
• Provide a substantial percentage of the recommended daily amount of physical activity in physical education class.
• Use instructional strategies in physical education that enhance students’ behavioral skills, confidence in their abilities, and desire to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle.
• Provide ample opportunities for all students to engage in physical activity outside of physical education class.
• Ensure that physical education and other physical activity programs meet the needs and interests of all students.

A supportive environment for physical activity includes having adequate space for all students to participate, regularly scheduled time for recess and other activity, encouragement to be physically active, and physically active role modeling by teachers and staff.

SHAPE America recommends that schools require daily physical education for students in kindergarten through grade 12, with instruction periods totaling 150 minutes per week in elementary and 225 minutes per week in middle and high school.

Other forms of physical activity in addition to a physical education program include daily recess for elementary school students; classroom‐based physical activity breaks; intramural and physical activity clubs such as after‐school recreation clubs; interscholastic competitive team sports, such as field hockey, golf, or ultimate Frisbee; and walk‐ or bicycle‐to‐school programs.