Get Up and Grow PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 3 and 4 that helps UK teachers introduce the link between exercise, physical health and mental wellbeing through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn how regular movement supports their body and mood, and practise recognising simple habits that help them feel well, energised and ready to learn.
Physical Wellbeing & Healthy Living
Snapshot
Get Up and Grow
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce the connection between movement, health and mood.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding how exercise supports physical and mental health
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise that physical activity can affect how the body and mind feel
identify everyday examples of movement, such as walking, playing and sport
recognise hygiene habits linked to staying active, such as washing hands or changing after exercise
Understand
understand that exercise can support both physical health and mood
understand that everyone's activity levels, routines and bodies are different
Practise
practise describing how they feel before and after being active
practise talking about simple habits that help them feel well
practise using respectful, non comparing language when discussing movement and health
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Year 3 and Year 4 pupils who are building early understanding of how movement and self-care connect to how they feel.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
health and wellbeing focused sessions
pastoral care, circle time or form time
class discussions about healthy routines
introductory work on physical activity and self-care
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing healthy habits Use when pupils are starting to learn about movement, rest and self-care as part of everyday life.
Building classroom culture around wellbeing Use when reinforcing that looking after the body and mind is a normal, shared part of school life.
Supporting a whole-school health focus Use when your school is highlighting activity, hygiene or healthy routines as part of pastoral planning.
Reinforcing PE or sport learning Use alongside PE lessons to connect physical activity with mood and wellbeing.
Practising respectful conversation about health Use when pupils need language that avoids comparing bodies, fitness or ability.
Creating a structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led lesson linking exercise, hygiene and how pupils feel.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils benefit from simple, factual language for understanding how movement affects the way they feel, rather than picking this up informally or inconsistently. Helping pupils connect exercise with mood and energy supports positive habits early, without needing to frame health in terms of appearance, weight or achievement. It also gives pupils a shared vocabulary for talking about rest, movement and self-care. This lesson supports a classroom culture where physical activity and hygiene are seen as everyday parts of wellbeing, and where pupils feel comfortable discussing their own routines without comparison or pressure.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Physical awareness Pupils notice how their body feels before and after being active.
Self-care Pupils connect hygiene habits with looking after their body during and after activity.
Emotional awareness Pupils recognise links between movement, mood and energy.
Healthy routines Pupils identify simple habits that support their wellbeing across the day.
Respectful communication Pupils practise talking about health and activity without comparing bodies or ability.
Confidence Pupils build language to describe their own habits and preferences around movement.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to compare bodies, fitness levels or sporting ability during discussion.
Frame movement and hygiene as personal habits rather than achievements or targets.
Check for any pupils with medical needs, injuries or additional requirements around physical activity.
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
During delivery
Use everyday examples such as playing outside, walking to school or joining in sport.
Keep language factual and body-respectful when discussing exercise, energy and hygiene.
Avoid ranking or comparing pupils' fitness, sport ability or appearance.
Give pupils time to share simple habits they already use, without pressure to disclose personal routines.
Supporting safe discussion
Use general examples rather than personal stories about specific pupils.
Remind pupils that everyone's routines and bodies are different.
Keep the focus on habits and choices rather than body shape or weight.
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or drawing for pupils who are less confident speaking aloud.
Extend discussion into simple goal setting for pupils ready for more independence.
Adjust examples to reflect pupils' access to sport, outdoor space or equipment.
