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Lesson 3 - Understanding and Developing Flexibility

Understanding Fitness: From Assessment to Personal Progress

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Year 6

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Health Related Fitness

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Big Question

How does flexibility training benefit our bodies and sporting performance?

Learning Objectives

Understand the meaning of flexibility and its impact on body movement
Perform a variety of flexibility exercises with correct technique
Explain why flexibility is important for health and sports performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of flexibility terminology
Students will complete a flexibility circuit with proper form
Students will identify sports that require high levels of flexibility

Equipment & Resources Required

Sun Markers

15 sets

Place one card at each circuit station

Alternative: Create simple instruction sheets

Cones

Mark boundaries for each station

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk circles

Mats

One mat per station for floor exercises

Alternative: Towels or designated floor areas

Timer

Visible to all students for timing stations

Alternative: Whistle with verbal time calls

Tunnel Systems

Optional for creating calm atmosphere

Alternative: None required

Key Vocabulary

Flexibility

The range of movement possible at a joint or series of joints

Range of Motion

The extent of movement possible at a joint in any direction

Static Stretch

A stretch held in one position for a period of time

Dynamic Stretch

Stretching through movement, taking joints through their range of motion

Muscle Elasticity

The ability of muscles to stretch and return to their original length

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of warm-up importance
Experience with simple stretching movements
Knowledge of major muscle groups

Current Skills

Understanding flexibility terminology
Performing static and dynamic stretches
Assessing flexibility levels
Working cooperatively in pairs

Next Steps

Advanced flexibility training methods
Sport-specific flexibility routines
Creating personal fitness programmes

Milestone Indicators

Can hold stretches for appropriate duration

Shows improved range of motion

Demonstrates understanding of flexibility benefits

Key Teaching Points

Flexibility is the ability of muscles to stretch and joints to move through their full range
Stretch to feel the muscle working, never to the point of pain
Breathing normally during stretches is essential for effectiveness and safety
Regular flexibility training helps prevent injuries and improves daily movement
Partner encouragement and support enhances learning and safety
Different sports and activities require different types of flexibility
Flexibility benefits both athletic performance and everyday activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking flexibility is only important for gymnasts - emphasise benefits for all activities
Believing stretching should be painful - teach 'comfortable discomfort' versus pain
Assuming flexibility can't be improved - show that regular practice increases range of motion
Thinking boys don't need flexibility - emphasise universal benefits regardless of gender
Believing stretching is boring - show variety and connect to interests
Assuming static stretching is the only type - introduce dynamic flexibility concepts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear station boundaries, regular movement between activities, use timer for structure, provide partner support

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra demonstration time, allow longer practice periods

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of circuit stations, allow familiar partner pairing, offer quiet space if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use tactile guidance for stretching positions, verbal descriptions of all movements, partner support for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all exercises, written instruction cards, hand signals for timing and transitions

physical disability

Adapt stretches for seated position, use resistance bands for assisted stretching, modify range of motion as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary for body parts and movement, articulating feelings and experiences

Maths

Timing exercises, counting repetitions, measuring flexibility improvements over time

Science

Learning about muscles, how they work, and the effects of exercise on the body systems

PSHE

Understanding the importance of physical health, developing cooperation and encouragement skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around circuit to monitor all stations, position for maximum visibility of student technique

Observation Focus

Watch for stretching intensity, partner cooperation, correct breathing, and safe transitions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if stretching too aggressively, if partners not cooperating, or if technique unsafe

Demonstration Notes

Use own body to show correct stretching technique, emphasise slow controlled movements, model partner encouragement behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Stretch to feel it working, not to cause pain!'
•'Keep breathing normally during stretches!'
•'Great encouragement from partners!'
•'Hold that stretch and feel the muscle lengthening!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area 20m x 15m minimum for circuit setup

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas, ensure mats are secure

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats for tears or slippery undersides
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify station cards are clearly readable and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching leading to muscle strain
•Loss of balance during stretching
•Collisions during circuit transitions
•Holding breath during stretches

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise 'stretch to feel it, not to pain' repeatedly
•Ensure adequate space between circuit stations
•Teach proper breathing technique during stretches
•Monitor all stretching for appropriate intensity
•Partner system provides support and safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all circuit stations
•Move continuously to monitor technique
•Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort
•Ensure partner cooperation and support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely