Lesson 3 - Developing Flexibility
Scientific Fitness Exploration
•Year 5
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does flexibility help our bodies move better and stay healthy?
Learning Objectives
- Understand what flexibility is and why it's important for our bodies
- Develop personal flexibility through a structured circuit training approach
- Recognise the impact of regular stretching on joint mobility and muscle health
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain what flexibility means in simple terms
- Students will complete a flexibility circuit with appropriate technique
- Students will understand how flexibility contributes to overall fitness and health
Equipment & Resources Required
Laminated cards placed at each station with clear instructions
Alternative: Teacher-created cards with stretch illustrations
Mark each flexibility station clearly around the space
Alternative: Hoops, bean bags, or tape markers
Provide comfortable surface for floor-based stretches
Alternative: Towels or designated floor spaces
Visible to teacher for timing station rotations
Alternative: Smartphone timer app or class clock
Calm, steady background music for relaxation
Alternative: None - can work in silence
Key Vocabulary
The ability of joints to move through their full range of motion and muscles to stretch
The amount of movement possible at a joint in any direction
Holding a stretch position for 15-30 seconds without movement
Moving stretches that gradually increase range of motion
Moving between different exercise stations in a planned sequence
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of fitness components from previous units
- Experience with simple stretching and cool-down routines
- Ability to work safely in pairs and follow instructions
Current Skills
- Understanding of flexibility as a fitness component
- Performance of static and dynamic stretching exercises
- Assessment of personal flexibility levels
Next Steps
- Advanced flexibility training techniques
- Sport-specific flexibility routines
- Integration of flexibility training into personal fitness programmes
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Flexibility is about safe, comfortable stretching, never forcing movements beyond comfort zone
- Breathing normally during stretches helps muscles relax and improves effectiveness
- Partner encouragement and support creates positive learning environment and improves motivation
- Flexibility develops gradually over time with regular practice and cannot be rushed
- Different sports and activities require different types of flexibility but all benefit from general flexibility training
- Cool-down stretching helps muscles recover and can prevent stiffness after exercise
- Body awareness during stretching helps students understand their own physical capabilities and limitations
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think bouncing during stretches is helpful - emphasise static, controlled stretching
- Some may believe being inflexible means they're 'bad at PE' - stress that flexibility can be improved by everyone
- Students might think stretching should be painful to be effective - reinforce 'comfortable stretch' concept
- May assume flexibility is only important for certain sports - show how it benefits all physical activities
- Could think that being naturally flexible means they don't need to stretch - explain maintenance is important
- Might believe stretching is only for warm-up or cool-down - demonstrate flexibility as a fitness component itself
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep explanations concise, provide movement breaks between discussions, use partner system for focus support
dyspraxia
- Break down stretches into simple steps, provide extra demonstration time, allow longer time for movement transitions
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, allow sensory breaks if needed, use visual schedules for station rotations
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of stretches, provide physical guidance if appropriate, ensure clear audio instructions at all stations
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written station cards with clear illustrations, use gestures and signals
physical disability
- Adapt stretches to seated or supported positions, modify range of motion expectations, focus on personal improvement
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing vocabulary related to body parts and movement, explaining and describing physical sensations
Maths
Timing station rotations, measuring flexibility improvements, counting repetitions and hold times
Science
Human body systems - muscular and skeletal systems, understanding how muscles work and respond to exercise
PSHE
Understanding health and wellbeing, importance of regular exercise, working cooperatively with others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around circuit stations to observe all students, position centrally during discussions
Observation Focus
Monitor stretching technique, partner cooperation, understanding of flexibility concepts
Intervention Points
Step in if students attempt unsafe stretches, provide encouragement for reluctant participants
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate stretches slowly and emphasise the 'comfortable stretch' feeling
Verbal Cues
- •'Stretch until you feel gentle tension, not pain'
- •'Remember to breathe normally during your stretch'
- •'Great encouragement - keep supporting your partner'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor space with non-slip surface, minimum 15m x 20m for circuit stations
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, mats available for floor-based stretches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are clean and in good condition
- •Ensure station cards are clearly visible and securely placed
- •Verify adequate space around each station for safe movement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching leading to muscle strain
- •Loss of balance during standing stretches
- •Collisions during transitions between stations
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise 'comfortable stretch' not 'maximum stretch' throughout lesson
- •Teach proper breathing technique during stretches
- •Establish clear movement patterns for station rotations
- •Partner system provides safety monitoring and support
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all stations during circuit
- •Monitor stretching technique for signs of forcing or bouncing
- •Watch for students showing signs of discomfort or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student experiences pain, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if injury suspected