How can teachers interact with a child who is reluctant to participate in physical activities? Elizabeth Walker, Senior Director of Health Improvement at ASTHO, says that a child may be unwilling to get involved in physical activity due to physical or social/emotional issues. A teacher’s first efforts should focus on encouragement and, in some cases, acting as a play partner with the child. Teachers should offer structured and unstructured, non-competitive play opportunities with varying levels of intensity.