Example lesson plans for physical education

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Mim Telfer
Free Primary PE Lessons
15 January 2025

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next physical education lesson plan, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re sharing a range of lesson plan examples that showcase how diverse and engaging PE can be, from OAA PE examples to swimming and gymnastics. Use these physical education activity examples to spark ideas and strengthen your planning.

Reception Cooperate and Solve Problems

One popular physical education lesson plan sample is our ‘Cooperate & Solve Problems’ unit for Reception and Key Stage 1. This example of a lesson plan focuses on helping young children build self-reliance while working effectively together. Pupils practise simple tasks that develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

A picture of Reception Cooperate and Solve Problems Unit 1 Lesson 3

Click here for Reception Cooperate and Solve Problems Unit 1 Lesson 3

Intermediate Swimming

Our physical education lesson plans for swimming aren’t tied to specific year groups because children’s abilities vary so much. We have beginner, intermediate, and advanced units available. Here’s one example lesson plan from our intermediate unit: Lesson 4 develops pupils’ ability to float confidently and build water confidence. A perfect physical education activities example for schools looking to boost swimming skills.

Intermediate Swimming Lesson 4

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Year 6 Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA)

Looking for OAA PE examples? Our Year 6 OAA lesson plans make outdoor education fun and stress-free. We’ve created all the scorecards, control points, pictures, or map icons you could ever need. Just print and laminate and you're set to go! Year 6 Lesson 4 encourages pupils to work well together, communicate clearly, and show consideration for others while navigating outdoor tasks. These activities keep children active and engaged, raising their heart rates while sharpening their minds.

Year 6 OAA Lesson 4

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Year 4 Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a core part of our physical education lesson plans. For example, our Year 4 Gymnastics Unit 1 Lesson 6 teaches pupils to judge a sequence using clear criteria, boosting both performance and analytical skills. This is a great example of a lesson plan that blends physical skills with observation and feedback.

Year 4 Gymnastics Unit 1 Lesson 4

Click here for Year 4 Unit 1 Lesson 6 Gymnastics

Whether you need an example lesson plan for outdoor education, swimming, gymnastics, or teamwork activities, The PE Hub has you covered. Explore our library of lesson plan examples to make your PE sessions fresh, fun, and impactful.

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