New
New
Year 3

Using relaxation techniques effectively

I can use relaxation techniques effectively to help me feel calm and content in every-day life.

New
New
Year 3

Using relaxation techniques effectively

I can use relaxation techniques effectively to help me feel calm and content in every-day life.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: moving around the room at different speeds represents how we feel in life; we can pause to help us relax.
  2. Think: pausing after fast movements to help us relax requires concentration.
  3. Think: we can use different techniques, such as moving and pausing as well as breathing, to help us relax.
  4. Feel: focusing on our breathing and showing resilience to keep trying can help us relax when we are feeling stressed.
  5. Connect: it is important to be respectful to our partners to help each other apply relaxation techniques.

Keywords

  • Relaxation - when your body and mind feel calm and peaceful

  • Technique - a method or way of carrying out a specific task or achieving a particular goal

  • Pause - a temporary stop/interruption in an activity or action

Common misconception

Pupils struggle to concentrate when they are freezing still or when they are deep breathing so the relaxation technique is ineffective.

Pupils need to be reminded that the techniques only work if they focus and are still, concentrating on their breathing / the stillness.


To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Using relaxation techniques effectively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Weave in addtional examples from everyday life for pupils to think about as they apply relaxation techniques. Rushing is used in the lesson, but ask the pupils to make their own suggestions. Use these as a stimuli to then apply the relaxation ideas and focus on being calm and still.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 dance scarf per pupil, additional material: suggested music

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Why do we use relaxation techniques?
to feel excited
Correct answer: to feel calm
to feel sad
Q2.
What do we mean by our emotions?
Correct answer: our feelings
our speed
our physical strength
Q3.
Which life skill can help us to focus on our relaxation techniques and not give up?
creativity
communication
Correct answer: resilience
Q4.
If you are working collaboratively with a partner, what skill are you demonstrating?
Correct answer: respect
agility
speed

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a type of relaxation technique?
jumping high
Correct answer: deep breathing
spinning
Q2.
How can you ensure the relaxation technique you are using is effective?
jog on the spot
look at others
Correct answer: focus and concentrate
Q3.
What can focusing on our breathing and showing resilience to keep trying help us to do?
Correct answer: relax
sprint fast
help others
Q4.
Which of these is not a relaxation technique?
Correct answer: pausing and jumping
deep breathing
pausing and stopping

Additional material

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