Healthy Habits

Overview

Year Level: Year 4
Subject: Health
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 28 students
Curriculum Descriptor: AC9HP4M05
Framework: Health Promoting Schools Framework

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and discuss healthy habits that contribute to their well-being.
2. Understand the Health Promoting Schools Framework and its role in creating a healthy school environment.
3. Engage in activities that promote healthy behaviours within their school community.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper and markers
• Sticky notes
• Healthy Habits Worksheet (prepared in advance)
• Printed handouts on the Health Promoting Schools Framework
• Timer
• Props for role-playing scenarios (optional: hats, badges, etc.)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

Welcome and Warm-up

1. Greeting: Welcome the students and briefly explain the importance of health and well-being.
2. Question to Ponder: Ask students, "What are some activities or habits that make you feel healthy and happy?"
3. Brainstorm: Write their responses on the whiteboard. Examples may include brushing teeth, eating vegetables, playing outside, etc.

Main Activities (35 minutes)

Activity 1: Healthy Habits Discussion (15 minutes)

1. Grouping: Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.
2. Task: Each group will receive a piece of chart paper and markers. They will choose one 'healthy habit' from the brainstormed list and discuss why it is important.
3. Presentation: Groups will present their discussions to the class, and chart papers will be displayed around the room.

Activity 2: Health Promoting Schools (20 minutes)

1. Explain: Introduce the Health Promoting Schools Framework. Distribute handouts and discuss the three key areas:
   • Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
   • School Organisation, Ethos and Environment
   • Community Links and Partnerships
2. Group Activity: Assign each group one area of the framework and ask them to brainstorm ways to promote health in that area within their school.
3. Creation: Each group will create a small poster or skit to present their ideas. Encourage creativity—props for role-playing scenarios can be utilised here.
4. Presentation: Groups will present their posters or skits to the class, focusing on how their ideas contribute to a healthier school environment.

Consolidation (10 minutes)

Activity 3: Sticky Note Reflection

1. Reflection: Give each student a sticky note and ask them to write one new thing they learned about promoting health in schools.
2. Sharing: Students will place their sticky notes on a designated 'Reflection Wall' in the classroom.
3. Review: Briefly review the sticky notes as a class to highlight key points and shared learnings.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Recap: Summarise the main points covered in the lesson. Emphasise the importance of individual healthy habits and the collective effort in promoting health through the Health Promoting Schools Framework.
2. Homework: Hand out the Healthy Habits Worksheet for students to complete at home with their family. This will encourage further engagement with health-promoting activities outside the classroom.

Evaluation

1. Teacher’s Observation: Monitor student engagement and participation during discussions and activities.
2. Student Self-Assessment: Using the completed Healthy Habits Worksheets as a tool for self-assessment.
3. Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to groups after their presentations, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Adjustments and Variations

• For Advanced Students: Include an extension activity where they research a health initiative in another country and present how it could be adapted to their school.
• For Students Needing Support: Pair them with a peer for activities or offer sentence starters and visual aids to help articulate their thoughts.

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This lesson plan is designed to be engaging and interactive, fostering a deeper understanding of health promotion within the school environment and inspiring students to adopt healthy habits.