- Definition
The "talk test" helps your child know if they're exercising hard enough by seeing if they can still talk comfortably. If they can chat easily, they're at a good pace; if talking is a bit harder, they're working out more intensely.
While jogging, your child can answer questions but is breathing a bit harder, showing a moderate level of effort.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: The talk test is like trying to tell a story to a friend while you're running around on the playground.
Ask your child: While you're hopping, how easy is it to talk?
Common mix-up: Kids might think being completely out of breath is the goal of exercise. The talk test helps find that sweet spot where you're working hard but can still talk a little.
Examples
- During a fast-paced game of tag, a child can only say one or two words at a time.
- While skipping rope, a child can sing parts of a song between breaths.
talk test is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
