Approaches to forming a healthy lifestyle in Primary School

Автор: Михайличенко Анастасия Сергеевна

Организация: ОГБОУ Вейделевская СОШ

Населенный пункт: Белгородская область, п. Вейделевка

Abstract. The article focuses on the formation of a healthy lifestyle among primary school students. The author emphasizes the importance of the initial stage of education, as it is during this period that basic knowledge and attitudes are formed, which influence future behavior and attitudes towards one's own health. Educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering a conscious approach to one's body and the environment.

Keywords: Health care, primary school age, value of health.

The primary school age is the key stage of rapid assimilation of social life rules. All new information received from the external environment is instantly fixed by children. They show increased trust towards adults, striving to emulate their words and actions. This explains why it is particularly important to start promoting healthy lifestyles right at elementary school level, where essential skills and behavioral patterns are formed.

Modern educational institutions place great emphasis on instilling positive attitudes toward personal health and that of others among students. A teacher can have an even greater impact on a child's health than medical professionals. Teachers provide knowledge aimed at maintaining good health and recognizing its value. However, the issue of preserving children's well-being remains highly relevant today.

One of my main tasks has been integrating methods into the educational process that help maintain student health throughout their entire period of study in elementary school. It is already known that the state of health of our young citizens causes serious concern for healthcare specialists. The current indicators clearly demonstrate that today's pupils’ health significantly lags behind those of previous generations. Clearly, the decisive role in determining both a child’s health condition and adaptation to society lies with the environment they spend most of their time in – namely, schools.

Research conducted by the Institute of Age Physiology under the Russian Academy of Education identifies several significant risk factors negatively affecting students' health. These include:

• Educational techniques based on high-stress levels;
• Teaching methodologies not suited to the physical and mental development stages of students;
• Insufficient parental awareness regarding children's health maintenance;
• Weaknesses in existing physical education programs;
• Intensification of academic workloads;
• Absence of systematic efforts to cultivate values related to health and adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

Continuous increases in academic workload do not go unnoticed by children's bodies. We often observe sharp rises in psychosomatic disorders, heightened fatigue accompanied by immune system malfunctions and hormonal imbalances.

Another way to intensify learning processes involves reducing lesson duration while keeping or increasing material volume. The consequences of such decisions become evident when students experience constant stress, exhaustion, which sometimes leads to burnout. Overexertion frequently triggers severe illnesses like acute and chronic diseases, as well as neurological issues and other conditions.

This situation has forced educators to seek innovative solutions that protect pupil's health. Specialized pedagogical approaches have gained widespread acceptance. Termed “health-preserving educational technologies,” these measures involve comprehensive strategies ensuring that no harm comes to students during instruction.

It is crucial to set clear goals for each child: understanding the importance of health and taking responsibility for it. Teacher training relies upon fundamental principles:

1. Continuity and consistency: Work is carried out daily, evenly distributed across all classes.

2. Subject-to-subject interactions: Students actively participate in health protection activities.

3. Content relevance and alignment with developmental stages: Lesson content must match students' ages.

4. Integrated approach: Collaboration between teachers, psychologists, and doctors is necessary.

5. Success breeds success: Emphasis should be placed first on identifying strengths before addressing weaknesses.

6. Activity-based learning: Active engagement reduces risks associated with overwork.

Primary school teachers bear substantial responsibility for shaping healthy living concepts among younger learners. Today's children face dual challenges: prolonged screen exposure combined with intense intellectual demands at school. To counteract this, two effective strategies come into play: game-based learning and motivation.

Young learners respond especially positively to gamified lessons. Based on this insight, teachers may develop individualized curricula focused on protecting health. For instance, preschoolers might lack a complete understanding of what constitutes "health," relying only on simplistic notions such as being free from illness (“no fever, no doctor visits”). Such gaps could be filled through engaging events like quiz shows, drawing contests, excursions, and theater performances.

In addition to didactic tools, practical exercises like warm-up breaks, hand exercises, relaxation sessions, and dynamic pauses enhance interest in sports and physical activity. Parents also exert considerable influence on children, so regular informative meetings would enable them to complement classroom experiences with family trips, competitions, and participation in sport clubs. Even simple morning exercise routines reduce potential threats.

Common health-saving teaching methods include:

• Rational structuring of lessons;
• Frequent switching between different types of activities;
• Maintaining class density within 60%-80%;
• Use of active learning formats (group work, pair work, role plays);
• Project creation and creative assignments;
• Variety of lesson formats (game-like lessons, celebrations, outdoor classes).

When using multimedia technology and digital resources, strict compliance with health safety regulations is mandatory.

To conclude, given numerous adverse influences on children’s health, there is urgent need to teach proper habits starting early and encourage responsible care for one’s body. Particular attention should focus on creating a comfortable psychological climate in classrooms, since it forms the foundation for successful preservation of future generations' health.

 

 

Literature:

1. Kovalko V.I. Health-saving technologies in primary school. 1-4 grades. M: «VAKO», 2004;

2. Smirnov N.K. Health-saving educational technologies in a modern school. M.: «ALK and PRO», 2002.

3. Svalova O.G. Preservation and strengthening of students' health // Primary school, 2009 – No. 2.