Strength in Play

Lesson Overview

Unit: Resilient Bodies in Motion
Lesson 2 of 5
Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 3 preschool students
Location: Indoor and outdoor play area

Lesson Title

Strength in Play: Building Core Stability

Lesson Description

This lesson develops core strength in preschoolers through playful, physically engaging activities including crawling, rolling, and climbing. Students will navigate simple obstacle courses designed to challenge their core muscles, fostering resilience and determination in physical tasks.

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Curriculum Alignment

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh – Health and Physical Education: Te Whāriki and the New Zealand Curriculum

• Learning Area: Health and Physical Education
• Level: Early childhood / Year 0 (Preschool)
• Strand: Movement Concepts and Motor Skills
• Learning Outcome: Children demonstrate increasing control, coordination and confidence in using their bodies in a variety of active play situations.
• Key Competencies:
  • Managing Self: Students develop confidence in their physical abilities and persistence in challenges.
  • Participating and Contributing: Students engage socially in small groups through shared physical activity.
• Health Focus: Developing physical competence and resilience to support overall wellbeing.

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Learning Intentions (WALT)

We Are Learning To:

• Develop core body strength through fun and safe movement activities.
• Use crawling, rolling, and climbing to strengthen our bodies.
• Show resilience and determination when facing physical challenges.

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Success Criteria

Students will:

• Move through the obstacle course using crawling, rolling, and climbing with increasing control.
• Demonstrate awareness of their body in space (balance and coordination).
• Persist in completing challenges in the obstacle course without giving up.
• Engage positively with peers during activities.

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Resources Needed

• Soft mats or gym mats
• Low climbing structures or stable boxes
• Cones / markers
• Tunnel (fabric or cardboard)
• Cushions or soft rolling objects
• Visual support cards with simple movement illustrations (for dyslexia-friendly recognition)

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Lesson Sequence

1. Welcome and Warm-up (5 minutes)

• Circle time welcome with a simple song about strong bodies (e.g., “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”).
• Gentle stretches focusing on tummy, back, and arms to prepare the core muscles.
• Teacher-led explanation with simple visuals: “Today we will use crawling, rolling, and climbing to make our bodies strong!”

Differentiation: Use clear, calm instructions and modelling for learners needing extra support. Allow movement breaks if a child gets restless.

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2. Core Strength Obstacle Course (20 minutes)

Set-up: An obstacle course with stations requiring crawling, rolling, and climbing. For example:

• Station 1: Crawl through a tunnel (encourages core engagement and coordination).
• Station 2: Roll forward on mats (promotes body awareness and abdominal control).
• Station 3: Climb over a low obstacle or soft box (builds upper and lower core strength).
• Station 4: Balance walking between cones (challenges core stability in movement).

Activity Flow:

• Demonstrate each station slowly with emphasis on core muscle use and safe movement.
• Each child attempts stations one at a time, with encouragement focused on effort and persistence.
• Rotate through stations twice if time allows.

Extension for advanced learners:

• Encourage children to attempt the course with eyes closed (with close supervision) to heighten body awareness.
• Add a timed challenge for fun motivation.

Support for diverse learners:

• Use hand-over-hand support for crawling or climbing as needed.
• Break tasks into shorter steps and provide visual plus verbal cues.

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3. Group Reflection and Cool-Down (5 minutes)

• Sit in a circle to share experiences: “What was fun? What was tricky?”
• Gentle breathing and relaxation exercises: “Let’s feel how strong our tummies and backs are.”
• Praise effort and resilience shown by each child.

Dyslexia-friendly reading: Display simple, bold-font visual cue cards for cool-down steps and use phrases rhythmically to support engagement.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observation checklist during obstacle course for:
  • Use of core muscles during crawling, rolling, climbing.
  • Persistence in activity completion.
  • Interaction/cooperation with peers.
• Anecdotal notes on motor skill development and confidence level.
• Quick reflection questions during cool-down to gauge children's perceptions of their own resilience.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For learners needing support: Use simplified tasks with adult assistance, visual and verbal prompts, and allow extra time to complete activities.
• For advanced learners: Offer complexity, such as balancing challenges, or variations of movements (e.g., animal walks).
• Provide inclusive environment respecting cultural and individual needs, adjusting communication and involvement accordingly.

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Teacher Reflection Notes (Post-Lesson)

• Monitor engagement and if core stability challenges matched students’ developmental levels.
• Note strategies that successfully supported resilience and participation.
• Plan modifications for next lesson based on observed needs.

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This plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum’s emphasis on physical confidence development, inclusive teaching practices, and competency building through playful and meaningful movement experiences for young learners .