Let's Get Moving wellbeing lesson plan
A primary wellbeing lesson for Years 1 and 2 that helps Australian teachers introduce healthy, active lifestyle habits through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students explore movement, rest, nutrition and everyday self-care choices, and practise talking about healthy habits in a positive, age-appropriate way.
Physical Wellbeing & Healthy Living
Snapshot
Let's Get Moving
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce healthy, active living in a practical, age-appropriate way for younger students.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Building awareness of healthy, active habits and everyday self-care choices
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise everyday habits that support a healthy, active lifestyle, such as movement, rest and healthy food choices
recognise that looking after their body includes sleep and hygiene, not just physical activity
recognise that healthy habits can look different for different people
Understand
understand why regular movement and rest help their body and mind feel well
understand that healthy choices are part of everyday routines, not one off events
Practise
practise describing simple habits that help them feel healthy and ready for the day
practise talking about movement, sleep and food choices using respectful, non-judgemental language
practise identifying one healthy habit they could include in their own day
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for younger primary students who are building early understanding of healthy habits, movement and self-care.
It is suitable for:
primary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or advisory sessions
class discussions about daily routines and habits
introductory health and wellbeing units
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student 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 students are beginning to learn about movement, rest, nutrition and self-care as part of daily routines.
Building classroom culture around wellbeing Use when reinforcing a positive, non-judgemental approach to health and activity in your classroom.
Starting a Health or PDHPE unit Use when you want a structured introduction before exploring physical activity or healthy living topics further.
Reinforcing daily routines Use when students need a reminder of how movement, sleep and food choices fit into their everyday day.
Supporting pastoral care or advisory time Use when you want a calm, structured wellbeing discussion that connects to everyday student life.
Preparing for a wellbeing focus period Use when your school is planning a broader focus on healthy living and wants a ready-to-teach starting point.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Students benefit from early, practical language for talking about healthy, active living without judgement or pressure. Building these habits early helps students see movement, rest, nutrition and self-care as everyday choices rather than something separate from their normal routine. This lesson supports a positive classroom culture around health by focusing on what students can do, rather than what they should avoid. Students learn that healthy habits can look different for different people, and that small, everyday choices contribute to feeling well.
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
Body awareness Students notice how movement, rest and food choices affect how their body feels.
Self-care habits Students identify simple habits they can use in their own daily routine.
Healthy decision making Students practise thinking about everyday choices that support their wellbeing.
Respectful communication Students talk about health and habits using non-judgemental language.
Personal responsibility Students recognise their role in looking after their own body and mind.
Confidence Students build confidence talking about healthy habits in a supportive classroom setting.
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 students that healthy habits can look different for different people
Frame the discussion around everyday choices, not comparisons between students
Avoid language that links health only to appearance, weight or body shape
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
During delivery
Use simple, familiar examples such as moving, resting, eating and washing hands
Keep language positive and encouraging rather than focused on rules or restrictions
Give students time to share examples from their own daily routine
Allow students to respond through discussion, drawing or partner talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Ask students to use general examples rather than naming classmates
Keep the focus on habits and choices rather than personal disclosures
Remind students that everyone's routine looks a little different
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or drawing for younger or quieter groups
Extend discussion with simple daily routine mapping for more confident groups
Spend more time on one habit area, such as movement or sleep, if it suits your class
