Year 3 PE & Health Lesson Plan: Focus on Balance

Lesson Overview

This lesson is designed for Year 3 students in New Zealand and focuses on developing balance skills, which are crucial for everyday activities and further physical education development. The lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum’s Health and Physical Education strand, specifically at Level 1, where students learn movement concepts and motor skills to develop their physical competence and confidence.

Subject: Physical Education & Health
Year Level: Year 3
Duration: 30 minutes
Number of Students: 28
Curriculum Link: Health and Physical Education, Level 1, Movement Concepts and Motor Skills

Learning Objectives

1. Students will demonstrate improved balance and coordination.
2. Students will understand the importance of balance in physical activities.
3. Students will engage and cooperate with peers in balance-based activities.

Resources Needed

• Balance beams
• Mats for safety
• Cones to mark areas
• Music player for rhythmic activities (optional)

Lesson Details

Warm-up: "Balance Tag" (5 minutes)

Objective: To energise and prepare the body for physical activity focusing on quick movements and maintaining balance.

Activity:

• In a defined area, one student is 'it' and tries to tag others.
• Students must balance on one foot when they are not moving.
• If a student loses balance or is tagged, they do five star jumps before rejoining the game.

Introduction to Balance (5 minutes)

Objective: Explain the concept of balance and its relevance to everyday activities and sports.

Activity:

• Discussion on what balance is and why it is important.
• Brief demonstration of balance by standing on one foot.
• Explain how balance will be used in today's activities.

Main Activity: Balance Beam Challenges (15 minutes)

Objective: Develop balance through guided practice on balance beams.

Activity:

1. Walking the Beam:

   • Students walk across a balance beam, one foot in front of the other, arms extended to the sides for balance.
   • Focus on smooth, slow movements.

2. Beam Tasks:

   • Place cones along the beam at intervals.
   • As students walk, they perform tasks at each cone (e.g., touch the cone, do a squat, stand on one foot for three seconds).

3. Balancing with Objects:

   • Students carry a bean bag on their head while walking the beam.
   • Encourage students to keep their eyes forward and adjust their body to keep the bean bag in place.

Cool Down: Stretch and Reflect (5 minutes)

Objective: Slow down the body and reflect on the learning outcomes.

Activity:

• Perform stretches focusing on the legs and back.
• Circle discussion on what was learned about balance and how it felt to perform the balance exercises.

Assessment

• Observe students as they engage with the balance beam challenges. Look for improvements in stability and confidence over the course of the activity.
• Listen to students’ contributions during the final discussion for understanding of balance concepts.

Additional Notes

• Ensure safety mats are properly placed around balance beams.
• Keep the pace slow during balance beam activities to minimise falls and encourage precision.

Relevant Links for Further Learning

• Teaching Resource for Balance Activities
• NZ Curriculum Online – Health and Physical Education

By focusing the activities and objectives at an appropriate level for Year 3, this lesson aids in achieving a practical understanding of balance and how to effectively maintain it during different physical situations. This foundational skill benefits diverse aspects of students' physical activities and fosters competence in the motor skills domain.