Summer Term PE Lesson Inspiration!

"Hurray! The summer term is finally here, the perfect opportunity to plan outdoor PE  lessons. As primary PE teachers, we know this is the best time of year for PE, as children become more active and engaged when lessons occur outside. The warmer weather and longer days offer ample chances to embrace the sunshine and enjoy the great outdoors. Research and experience have shown us the incredible benefits of outdoor PE lessons, which include:

1. Increased physical activity: Delivering PE outside allows children to engage in physical activity naturally, leading to higher fitness levels and improved general health. With more space available than in the school hall, games and activities can be played with greater freedom, enabling children to move around at higher speeds and exert themselves more.

2. Improved mental health: It is widely known that being outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing mood and overall mental well-being. This applies to both adults and children. As teachers, taking a break from the classroom and being outside can immensely benefit our well-being.

3. Improved learning: The outdoor environment improves concentration and focus, improving learning outcomes in PE and across the curriculum.

4. Improved social skills: Outdoor PE lessons allow students to interact and collaborate with their peers in different ways, fostering leadership skills, communication, and teamwork.

5. Increased motivation and engagement: Changing the learning environment from the indoor classroom to the outdoors can bring about renewed student motivation and engagement.

6. Fresh air and sunshine: Embracing the great outdoors exposes students to sunlight, aiding in the production of vitamin D. Moreover, fresh air improves respiratory health and overall well-being.

During the summer term, some of our favourite units of work to deliver include:

1. Orienteering PE lessons: Orienteering is tailor-made for the outdoors! It allows children to experience map reading, problem-solving, and teamwork in a more practical setting. Students gain a real sense of accomplishment by navigating an orienteering course while developing physical activity, problem-solving, and environmental awareness skills.

2. Athletic PE lessons: Athletics is a vital component of primary school physical education, enabling the development of fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, and throwing. It also fosters agility, balance, coordination, and important life skills like perseverance, dedication, and resilience. Athletics offers a wide range of activities that can be tailored to each child's needs and helps cultivate a lifelong love for exercise.

3. Tennis PE lessons: Net and Wall Games, including tennis, enhance manipulation and coordination skills. Tennis provides children with a fun and enjoyable experience as they engage in modified games and activities using age-appropriate equipment. Teaching tennis may seem challenging, but it becomes rewarding and captivating with the right approach. Showcasing real tennis courts and professional games and explaining the rules and equipment can help children visualise and understand the sport they are learning.

4. Rounders, a popular bat-and-ball game, is a fantastic addition to physical education programs in primary schools. It offers children an engaging and enjoyable experience as they participate in team-based activities and develop essential skills. Playing rounders helps enhance hand-eye coordination, as players must accurately hit and field the ball. The game also promotes teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, as players compete to score runs and dismiss opponents. Moreover, rounders allow children to develop physical fitness, agility, and throwing skills. By introducing rounders in primary school PE, students can cultivate a love for sports, improve coordination, and foster valuable social and physical development.

Conclusion

We invite you to explore our comprehensive primary school lesson plans for these topics. Our lessons are designed to be engaging, appropriately challenging, and promote progression throughout a child's primary school PE journey.

As the summer term begins, we would love to hear about your favourite PE topics to deliver during this time. Please feel free to reach out to us via our social media platforms. If you need any help, advice, or assistance with your PE lessons, don't hesitate to contact us. Enjoy a fantastic summer of PE!"