KS1 Wellbeing Lesson 1

Lesson Summary

Learning Intentions

  • Connect – Work with a partner by communicating clearly to complete tasks together
  • Acquire a new skill – Learn new ways to move and control a ball
  • Mindfulness – Practise narrowing your focus to help clear your mind

Success Criteria

  • Connect – I can work with a partner and communicate clearly to complete a task
  • Acquire a new skill – I can move the ball in different ways and try new tricks
  • Mindfulness – I can focus my attention to help clear and calm my mind

We are Learning...

to improve hand-eye co-ordination through ball skills

Curriculum Links

NC Pupils will engage in cooperative activities while developing basic movement skills such as throwing and catching, and improving their coordination

L Describe what hand-eye coordination is

N Count in multiples of 2

Equipment

  • Cones
  • Range of different balls/beanbags

Key Questions

  • Why is it important to throw both balls at the same time?
  • What does hand-eye coordination mean, and why is it useful?
  • How could practising mindful breathing regularly help you feel better?

Pairs Throwing

An image accompanying this article.

Teaching Points

✔️ Pairs Throwing Activity

  • Use an underarm throw so the object travels in a smooth arc toward your partner.
  • Keep your eyes on the object you are about to catch, not the one you’re throwing.
  • Communicate with your partner using a clear countdown (e.g. “3, 2, 1, throw”) to throw at the same time.
  • Aim to catch and throw in sync with your partner for better rhythm and coordination.

Lesson Content

Physically Active

Each child should have their own ball. Explain that they will move around the space while practising different ball tricks (refer to videos for examples).

  • Demonstrate each trick clearly, then give pupils time to practise.
  • Spend a few minutes on each skill before introducing the next.
  • Once familiar, children can move freely around the space while carrying or controlling their ball.
  • On your signal, they must stop and perform one of the tricks they’ve learned—or a new one they’ve created.
  • Remind them to stay in control of the ball at all times.

Easier Option: Pause the group and repeat the same skill three or four times together before moving on.

Extension: Challenge children to invent and perform their own ball tricks.

A guideline image demonstrating this lesson plan content

Connection Activity

Pass the parcel – Half the class is given a small object (e.g. tennis ball, beanbag). Everyone moves freely around the space.

When you give a signal (whistle or shout), each child with an object must quickly find a partner who doesn’t have one. They stand about 1 metre apart and complete a “Pass the Parcel” by throwing the object once to their partner, who catches it.

The partner who catches the object now becomes the new carrier and continues moving with it. The thrower carries on without an object.

Easier Option:

  • Use softer or larger equipment for easier catching
  • Stand closer together
  • Roll or slide the object instead of throwing

Extension:

  • Increase the number of throws (use an odd number so the object changes hands)
  • Use different types or sizes of equipment to add variety and challenge

New Skill Activity

Pairs Throwing (See supporting video for demonstration)

Set-Up:

  • Children work in pairs, standing about 1 metre apart, facing each other.
  • Each child has a small object (e.g. tennis ball, beanbag) that can be thrown and caught with one hand.

Instructions:

  • Both children start with the object in their right hand, held down by their side.
  • When ready, they throw the object underarm at the same time to their partner.
  • Each child should aim to catch their partner’s object with their left hand.
  • Repeat the activity with the object starting in the left hand and caught in the right.
  • Continue alternating hands, practising a rhythm of throw and catch.

NB: Hand-eye coordination means using your eyes and hands together to perform tasks like catching, throwing, or reaching accurately.

Development:

  • Use two hands to catch while learning the movement
  • Try rolling or sliding the object instead of throwing

Challenge:

  • Increase the distance between pairs
  • Count in twos with each successful catch (e.g. 2, 4, 6…)

Extension:

  • Encourage pairs to throw and catch continuously without pausing
  • Prompt children to give each other positive feedback on their throwing and catching

Mindfulness Activity

Cyclical Breathing

Ask children to find a quiet space to lie down on their backs. Each child places a beanbag on their chest or upper tummy.

Explain that this is a calm and peaceful activity, and everyone should try to stay quiet and focused.

Guide the children through a breathing cycle using a slow count of four:

  • Breathe in slowly for 4 counts
  • Hold the breath for 4 counts
  • Breathe out slowly for 4 counts

Ask children to focus on the beanbag. They should watch it rise as they breathe in, stay still as they hold, and fall as they breathe out. Encourage them to notice how the movement of the beanbag matches their breathing.

Repeat the breathing cycle several times, helping them relax and stay focused.

A guideline image demonstrating this lesson plan content