Benefits of Exercise

Overview

This lesson plan is designed to teach Year 3 students in Australia about the importance of exercise, focusing on the physical and mental benefits of staying active. This aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (HPE), specifically addressing the content descriptor ACPPS017: "Discuss and interpret health information and messages in the media and how they influence health decisions."

Lesson Objectives

• Understand why exercise is important for both physical and mental health.
• Identify different forms of exercise they can engage in.
• Discuss how exercise can be a fun and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Materials Required

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper and coloured pens
• Printed images of different types of exercises (e.g., swimming, running, dancing)
• Timer or clock
• Space for physical activity (classroom rearrangement or playground access)

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Greeting and Attendance: Begin with a quick greeting and take attendance.
2. Motivation Question: Ask students, "What is your favourite way to move or play?"
   • Write a few responses on the board to personalise the lesson.

Core Learning Activity (15 minutes)

1. Discussion (5 minutes)

   • Start a conversation about what exercise is and why it's important.
   • Use simple language: "Exercise helps make our bodies strong and keeps us feeling good every day."

2. Physical Benefits of Exercise (5 minutes)

   • Explain the physical benefits of exercise: it makes muscles stronger, builds bones, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
   • Show images of different exercises and discuss how each activity helps our bodies.
   • Engage students by asking, “Can you show me your muscles?” and “What’s your favourite sport to watch?”

3. Mental Benefits of Exercise (5 minutes)

   • Talk about the mental and emotional benefits. Explain how exercise helps us feel happy because it releases special chemicals in the brain.
   • Ask probing questions: "How do you feel after running around at recess?"
   • Summarise with, "Exercise helps us think clearer and be more creative!"

4. Activity: Exercise Charades (5 minutes)

   • Have students play a quick round of Exercise Charades. Group them into threes and assign simple activities like jumping jacks, skipping, or pretending to swim.
   • Each group presents, and their classmates guess the activity being mimicked.

Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

1. Cool-Down: Gather students back into a circle.
2. Reflection Discussion: Ask, "What did you learn today about exercise?" Write a few key points on chart paper for the classroom wall.
3. Call to Action: Encourage students to talk at home over dinner about how they can add a fun exercise activity into their day.
4. Closing Statement: "Exercise is a fun way to grow strong and smart, and it's something we can enjoy every day."

Assessment and Support

• Formative Assessment: Observe students' participation in discussions and charades to assess understanding.
• Differentiation: Provide additional support to students who may find it challenging to express their thoughts verbally by using more visuals and gestures.

Follow-up Activities

• Exercise Diary: Start an exercise diary where students can log when they are active during the week.
• Invite Guest Speaker: Consider inviting a local athlete or physical education coach to speak about their exercise journey and its benefits.

By engaging students with visuals, interactive discussions, and physical activity, this lesson plan aims to emphasize the importance of exercise in an age-appropriate and engaging manner that adheres to Australian educational standards.