Get Moving Everyday

Overview

Subject: Health
Year Level: Year 3
Duration: 30 Minutes
Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education
Strand: Personal, Social and Community Health
Content Descriptor: V9.HPE.4.08 - Examines factors that influence participation and proposes strategies to incorporate regular physical activity into their own and others’ lives.

Objectives

• Understand the importance of exercise for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Discuss the benefits of exercise for physical and mental well-being.
• Identify factors that influence participation in physical activities.
• Develop strategies to incorporate regular exercise into daily routines.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Large paper sheets and coloured markers
• Exercise cards (with different types of exercises)
• Stopwatch or timer
• Music for the warm-up activity

Lesson Steps

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Welcome & Warm-Up:

   • Play an upbeat song and lead a simple dance routine with the students. Encourage everyone to join in and have fun. This activity sets an energetic tone for the lesson.

2. Discussion Starter:

   • After the warm-up, ask students: "How do you feel after moving around?" Discuss how exercising doesn't just make us fitter, but can also make us feel happy and more energetic.

Main Activities (20 minutes)

1. Why Do We Need to Exercise?
   (10 minutes)

   • Explanation:

     • Gather students in a circle and explain the benefits of exercise, using age-appropriate language. Highlight aspects such as strong muscles and bones, a healthy heart, better sleep, and improved mood.
     • Discuss how exercise helps us concentrate better in school and why it's important for both physical and mental health.

   • Interactive Brainstorming:

     • Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a large sheet of paper and markers.
     • Ask them to write or draw reasons why exercise is important. Encourage creativity and fun illustrations.

2. Factors and Strategies for Exercise:
   (10 minutes)

   • Group Discussion:

     • Reconvene as a class and discuss what might stop people from exercising (e.g., lack of time, weather, no equipment). Write these barriers on the board.

   • Strategy Development:

     • In the same groups, ask students to brainstorm solutions and strategies to overcome these barriers. Encourage ideas like: playing outdoor games at lunchtime, skipping with a rope indoors when it rains, or having a family walk after dinner.
     • Share ideas as a class and compile a list of fun and feasible strategies on the board.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Exercise Card Activity:

  • Hand out exercise cards that illustrate simple exercises like jumping jacks, skipping, or balancing on one foot.
  • Have students form a circle, pick a card one at a time, and lead the class in that exercise for 30 seconds.

• Reflection & Homework:

  • Ask students to think about one new type of exercise from the class that they would like to try at home. They should discuss this with their families and encourage others to join them.

• Wrap-Up:

  • Thank students for their participation and enthusiasm. Highlight that even small exercises and movements contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Assessment

• Formative Assessment:
  Observe student participation during discussions and activities, noting their understanding of why exercise is important.

• Peer Assessment:
  Students self-reflect and share verbally what strategies they will try to incorporate into their own lives.

Additional Notes

• Ensure inclusivity by tailoring activities for varying physical abilities.
• Reinforce that exercise should be enjoyable and that everyone can find something they love to do which fits their abilities and lifestyle.

This plan aims to engage Year 3 students with interactive, fun, and educational activities, emphasising the significance of exercise in their daily lives.