Help for teachers to make PE lessons in school more engaging

Primary School teachers are being offered free expert help to make PE more engaging and fun during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With schools under pressure amid Government restrictions, a recent survey has shown the importance of PE, sport and exercise to children and young people.

Yorkshire-based PE Planning, a company which offers high quality lesson plans for primary school teachers, has now published free resource sheets aimed at teachers struggling for new ideas to engage youngsters.

Research by the Youth Sport Trust found that 27% of children said sport and exercise improved their mood and this was particularly true for junior school-age pupils aged eight to 11.

More than a third (37%) said sport and PE was more important in their lives now than before lockdown.

Will Smith, founder of PE Planning, which provides resources for teachers in hundreds of primary schools, said there had been a decline in the well-being of children since the start of lockdown in March.

“It’s been terribly tough this year and it’s still as tough as ever right now,” he said. “With grassroots sport cancelled and school year ‘bubbles’ often being sent home, it is important for teachers to maintain PE as much as possible.

“Young people’s mental health has been affected by the restrictions and what is happening outside and we know sport and exercise helps massively.

“Teachers have a big part to play, particularly at primary schools, where PE has to be fun and capture the imagination.

“Teachers have done a brilliant job during the pandemic but it can be hard to keep coming up with fresh ideas for lessons.

“Our free resources can help create and deliver high quality PE lessons which are all linked to the National Curriculum.”

The lesson plans available to download include classroom PE; athletics; lunchtime games; and table top activities. One of the most popular activities is Build a Skeleton.

“The needs of the teacher and the child are always at the forefront of what we do,” said Will.

“We need to keep our children active so they can stay focused and engaged while releasing some energy at the same time. This can all be done at the same time as adhering to National Curriculum requirements.”

“Our website has some great ideas which teachers can use and adapt to create their own individual lesson plans which can get children moving. As adults we know how exercise can help clear our minds so for youngsters it really boosts their capacity for learning.”

The resources can be found at www.peplanning.org.uk.