Getting the Family Moving PSHE lesson plan
Getting the Family Moving is a secondary PSHE lesson for Years 8 to 10 that helps UK teachers introduce practical ways to build physical activity and healthy routines into family life through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise the benefits of staying active as a family, explore common barriers to getting moving together, and practise simple strategies for encouraging exercise and healthy habits at home.
Physical Wellbeing & Healthy Living
Snapshot
Getting the Family Moving
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to explore family activity habits and encourage practical, everyday movement. Feedback: 4.0/5 from 218 pupil responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Building physical activity and healthy routines into family life
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 the value of regular physical activity for the whole family
recognise everyday opportunities for movement, such as walking, active play or shared chores
recognise common barriers that can make it harder for families to stay active together
Understand
understand how habits and routines influence how active a family is
understand that families can build movement into daily life in different ways depending on their circumstances
Practise
practise identifying practical, realistic ways to encourage more movement at home
practise suggesting family activities that support health without focusing on appearance or performance
practise discussing healthy routines respectfully, without judging other people's choices
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary pupils in Years 8 to 10 who are building understanding of healthy lifestyles and thinking about how habits form both at school and at home.
It is suitable for:
PSHE lessons on healthy lifestyles and personal wellbeing
health education focused on physical activity and daily habits
pastoral care, form time or wellbeing sessions
wider healthy lifestyles or physical wellbeing units
whole-class discussion on habits, routines and family life
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 lifestyles topics Use when pupils are beginning a unit on healthy habits, physical activity or personal wellbeing.
Reinforcing PSHE learning on wellbeing Use to build on earlier lessons about healthy routines, sleep or nutrition with a focus on physical activity.
Supporting a wellbeing focus week Use during a wellbeing or healthy lifestyles focus period to bring a practical, family-based angle to the topic.
Preparing for independent decision making Use when pupils are starting to make more of their own choices about activity, screen time and daily routines.
Building form time or pastoral discussion Use during form time or pastoral sessions to prompt reflection on everyday habits at home.
Following up personal development learning Use after related PSHE topics on self care, healthy choices or personal responsibility to extend thinking to family routines.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Physical activity habits often form within the family, so pupils benefit from thinking practically about how movement fits into everyday life rather than viewing exercise as a separate or occasional task. This lesson keeps the focus on habits rather than performance. It helps pupils see physical activity as something achievable and shared, and encourages them to think about realistic ways to support movement at home without pressure around appearance, weight or ability. For schools, the lesson contributes to a practical, body-respectful approach to healthy lifestyles education that pupils can apply beyond the classroom.
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
Health literacy Pupils build understanding of how regular movement supports overall wellbeing.
Habit formation Pupils consider how small, consistent changes can build healthier routines.
Communication skills Pupils practise talking about healthy habits respectfully, with family life in mind.
Problem solving Pupils think through practical solutions to common barriers to staying active.
Self awareness Pupils reflect on their own activity levels and daily routines.
Social connection Pupils consider how shared activity can strengthen family relationships.
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 name family members or share private details about home life
Frame discussion around general habits and routines rather than personal or family specifics
Make clear the focus is on activity and movement, not weight, appearance or body shape
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 general examples such as walking, active chores or weekend activities rather than personal disclosures
Avoid comparing families or implying one routine is better than another
Reinforce that families have different circumstances, resources and abilities
Give pupils time to discuss practical, realistic ideas rather than aspirational ones
Supporting safe discussion
Encourage privacy and remind pupils not to share other people's stories
Use general examples or scenarios rather than personal family disclosures
Keep language body respectful and avoid moralising about food, weight or appearance
Adaptation options
Use small group discussion for pupils who prefer not to share personal examples
Use written or paired reflection for quieter groups
Extend discussion with goal setting for pupils ready to plan specific changes
