Click on the following links for answers to frequently asked questions about activ8:
About the Challenges
About the Benefits
About Similarities with Other Programs
About Other Languages
About the Challenges
Is activ8 a curriculum?
No. It is a curriculum-based resource that complements and supports the school's existing curriculum, and helps students achieve learning expectations in physical education. activ8 is a program that celebrates a year round, quality physical education program.
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Tell me about the challenges.
There are 8 developmentally appropriate physical activity challenges per grade from JK to grade 12 to help students reach their personal best based on achievement not performance. This is a program that has been designed on a progressive continuum with a general emphasis on skill development in the younger grades and more emphasis on fun, physical fitness in the upper grades.
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What is achievement versus performance?
activ8 rewards personal best, and does not encourage competition between students. For example, the program doesn't measure how fast you can run or how high you can jump, but it focuses on "can you run and jump" and emphasizes proper running and jumping techniques. Students are encouraged to complete the challenges at their own rate.
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What does fun mean?
Fun is defined differently by different people. However, in most cases it can be defined as the balance between challenge and skill. In other words, if students are appropriately challenged, they will enjoy their own results. In contrast, easy challenges can result in boredom and hard challenges can result in frustration. activ8 is a fun program because it provides students with countless opportunities to find the balance between challenge and skill.
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How were the challenges developed?
The challenges were developed by a team of Physical and Health Education Specialists, and are based on a theoretical framework that is linked to learning expectations in Physical Education. A review process involving focus groups, academic reviews and a pilot test was also undertaken.
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About the Benefits
How do the teachers benefit from activ8?
Teachers love activ8 because it complements existing physical education programs, and has been designed to support teaching. The resource is simple - you open it up and implement. You can do it step by step or pick pieces of the program to integrate into your lesson plans. The program is flexible and adaptable and is based on achieving learning expectations. It has been developed by teachers for teachers. It has also been extensively field-tested.
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About Similarities with Other Programs
How does The Canada Fitness Award Program compare to activ8?
The Canada Fitness Award (CFA) program was primarily a performance test based on prescribed standards. The most athletic students usually received the highest achievement awards. activ8 is different. The focus of the program is on personal achievement, rather than on competition for the best performance. activ8 encourages all students to celebrate their unique abilities as they derive the benefits of becoming more physically active.
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What is the relationship between the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) and The Foundation for Active Healthy Kids?
CAHPERD is a national organization with a similar mandate to Active Healthy Kids Canada. Active Healthy Kids Canada has partnered with CAHPERD to assist in the national delivery of activ8. This relationship includes content development, review, and assistance in the evaluation process.
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Is this program similar to the Canadian Active Living Challenge?
No. In fact, students could participate in activ8 as part of the Canadian Active Living Challenge (CALC) . CALC does not specify what students must do to succeed, other than to be active. With activ8, there are 8 developmentally appropriate challenges for students in every grade from JK to grade 12, and activities that will help students prepare for the challenges.
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About Other Languages
Is it available in French?
YES. activ8 in French is called acti-v and can be ordered via the website or by calling the Ophea office at 416-426-7039.
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