The Importance of Physical Activity

Overview

This 45-minute session is the 4th in a 12-lesson unit titled "Celebrating UK Sports Stars". It focuses on helping Year 5 pupils understand the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles through collaborative learning, discussion, and practical challenges. The lesson strongly aligns with the Curriculum for Wales and emphasises the development of knowledge, skills, and values within the Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) of Health and Well-being and Education through Movement.

Curriculum for Wales Links

Health and Well-being AoLE:
- Learning Outcome 3 - Personal Well-being:
  - "Develop knowledge, understanding and skills relating to health-enhancing physical activity and nutrition."
- Learning Outcome 3 - Physical Development and Movement:
  - "Participate confidently in a range of physical activities."
- Cross-cutting themes: Healthy choices, Emotional well-being, Social skills.
Literacy and Communication:
- Development of collaborative talk and presentation skills through group discussions and mind-mapping.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

Identify and describe at least three benefits of regular physical activity on physical, mental, and social health.
Demonstrate a basic sports skill through a structured challenge (e.g., passing or balancing).
Collaborate to create a mind map illustrating the benefits of physical activity.
Reflect on how physical activity contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

Success Criteria

I can explain why physical activity is good for my body and mind.
I can work cooperatively with my peers to complete a sports skill challenge.
I can contribute ideas to build a clear mind map about healthy lifestyles.
I can show respect and encouragement to others during activities.

Resources

Whiteboard and markers
Large paper or A3 sheets for mind maps
Coloured pens/pencils
Cones or markers for sports challenge stations
Equipment for skill challenge: soft balls, bean bags, hoops, cones
Visual aids/posters highlighting benefits of physical activity (optional)

Lesson Structure

Starter (5 minutes)

Hook: Show a vibrant image of a UK sports star (e.g., Mo Farah or Jessica Ennis-Hill) and ask "Why do you think staying active helped this person become a champion?"
Quick brainstorming: In pairs, pupils discuss what being physically active might do for us. Share some ideas with the whole class. Write key phrases on the board.

Main Activities (35 minutes)

1. Group Discussion & Introduction (10 minutes)

Explain: “Physical activity is good for us in many ways.”
Discuss three main categories of benefits:
- Physical (strong heart, muscles, stamina)
- Mental (happiness, better sleep, less stress)
- Social (making friends, teamwork, confidence)
Use simple questions to prompt thinking:
- "What happens if we sit for a long time?"
- "How does playing sports make you feel?"

Curriculum Skills Focus: Speaking and listening; critical thinking.

2. Hands-on Sports Skill Challenge (15 minutes)

Split class into small groups (~5 pupils).
Set up 3 stations with simple movement-based skill challenges inspired by UK sports stars, e.g.:
- Station 1: Passing a ball/bean bag accurately to a teammate 3 times.
- Station 2: Balancing on one foot for 10 seconds, building up to hopping forward.
- Station 3: Quick footwork drill between cones for agility and coordination.
Pupils rotate every 5 minutes.
Teacher and TAs observe and offer positive, specific feedback focusing on effort and teamwork.

Differentiation:

Support pupils with motor difficulties by adjusting distance/complexity or pairing with a peer buddy.
Challenge advanced pupils to lead the group or time their activity to improve performance.

3. Create a Mind Map (10 minutes)

Regroup and introduce mind mapping as a creative way to collect ideas.
On large paper, pupils in their groups jot down benefits discovered from the discussion and activities around a central bubble labelled "Benefits of Physical Activity".
Encourage drawing symbols/pictures to represent ideas for visual learners.
Share group mind maps with the class, allowing short presentations.

Curriculum Skills Focus: Literacy, critical thinking, communication.

Plenary (5 minutes)

Recap the main benefits discussed.
Individual quick-write: Pupils note down one thing they will try to do more regularly to stay active.
Praise all for participation and remind them how physical activity connects to the achievements of UK sports stars.

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Need	Approach
Additional Learning Needs	Use visual prompts and physical demonstrations; partner with supportive peers; allow more time.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)	Use key vocabulary visuals; simplified language; gestures and modelling.
Advanced Learners	Extend skill challenges; encourage leadership roles; research a UK sports star’s training regime.

Extension Activities

Pupils research and create a short presentation on a UK sports star’s daily physical activity habits at home.
Design a personal weekly plan incorporating different types of physical activity and reasons why, linking back to benefits discussed.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of a sports star focusing on how physical activity helps their mental well-being.

Assessment

Ongoing formative assessment through observation during group discussion and practical activities: Is the pupil able to contribute ideas, collaborate and sustain effort?
Mind map evaluation: Are pupils including a clear range of benefits; can they explain their ideas during peer presentation?
Exit task quick-write: Demonstrates individual understanding of importance of physical activity.

Teacher Reflection Notes

Did pupils engage with the sports skill challenges and feel successful?
How well did groups collaborate during mind mapping?
Are pupils connecting physical activity to real-life positive outcomes?
Consider adapting future lessons to include more outdoor or technology-enhanced activities (e.g., activity trackers) to increase engagement.

End of Lesson 4 - The Importance of Physical Activity