Improve my flexibility
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how flexibility can be improved.
Key learning points
- Move: specific stretches can be performed to increase the flexibility of specific muscles.
- Think: improving muscle flexibility has a wide range of benefits.
- Feel: looking after my muscular health demonstrates self-discipline and responsibility.
- Connect: celebrating the achievements and strengths of others demonstrates respect.
Keywords
Flexibility - the elasticity of muscles when stretching and the ability to move joints through a full range of motion
Stretch - a movement where you gently pull or extend your muscles to make them longer
Tension - a gentle pull, tightening or resistance that indicates that a muscle should not be stretched any further
Common misconception
Some pupils might think that for an effective stretch, you should push or reach until it is painful.
Stretching should never be painful. You might feel tension which can be described as resistance, a pull or tightening and this indicates that the muscle should not be stretched any further. Tension might ease with some deep breathing.
Teacher tip
It is important that pupils complete the cardiovascular activities outlined in the worksheet to keep their muscles warm and supple throughout the tasks. Be alert to gender stereotyping, girls can be more flexible than boys and the opposite can also be true.
Equipment
30+ cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these words describes how strong, deep or extreme something is?
Q2.Which of these body parts contract and extend to create movement?
Q3.What must we do to prepare our muscles for intense exercise?
Q4.The muscles in which part of the body should be warmed up before playing badminton?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these activities can help to improve flexibility?
Q2.What should you do if a stretch is really painful?
Q3.How should we move when a stretch includes movements?
Q4.Which characteristic can be helpful when committing to regular stretching activities?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Improve my flexibility, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Improve my flexibility, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Health and wellbeing: stamina, strength and flexibility refined unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.