KS2 Wellbeing Lesson 1
Lesson Summary
Learning Intentions
- Connect – Work cooperatively with a partner by communicating clearly and effectively
- Acquire a new skill – Learn and practise the key steps involved in juggling
- Mindfulness – Develop the ability to narrow your focus to improve mental clarity and concentration
Success Criteria
- Connect – I can communicate clearly with my partner to complete cooperative tasks
- Acquire a new skill – I can follow and attempt the key steps to begin learning how to juggle
- Mindfulness – I can focus my attention to help clear and calm my mind
We are Learning...
the steps to juggle three balls.
Curriculum Links
NCPupils will use throwing and catching both on their own and with others, enjoy working together through communication and collaboration, and reflect on their own success
L Explain a set of instructions clearly to a partner or group
N Count in multiples during activities such as catches, throws, or steps
Equipment
- Cones
- Beanbags
- Tennis Balls
- Juggling Balls
Key Questions
- How did working with a partner in the throwing activity help prepare you for learning to juggle?
- In what ways do you use hand-eye coordination when juggling?
- How might regular mindful breathing help you in other parts of your day, both in and out of school?
Pairs Throwing
Teaching Points
Pairs Throwing Activity
- Use an underarm throw so the ball follows a smooth arc toward your partner.
- Focus your eyes on the ball 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 and catch at the same time.
Lesson Content
Physically Active
Pass the parcel
- Half the class is given a small object to throw, such as a tennis ball or beanbag.
- Everyone moves freely around the space.
- When you give a signal (whistle or shout), children with an object must find a child without one.
- They stand about 1 metre apart and throw the object for their partner to catch.
- The child who catches the object becomes the new carrier and continues running with it.
- The game repeats each time you give a new signal.
Extension:
- Increase the number of throws before switching, using an odd number so the object changes hands.
- Use different types or sizes of equipment to vary the challenge.
Connection Activity
Set the children up in pairs, standing about 1 metre apart, facing each other. Each child should have a small object they can throw and catch in one hand, such as a tennis ball or beanbag.
Start with both children holding the object in their right hand, resting by their side.
- When ready, both use an underarm throw to toss their object to their partner at the same time.
- Each child tries to catch their partner’s object with their left hand.
- Repeat the activity with the object in the left hand, caught in the right.
- Continue practising both sides until the action becomes smooth and continuous.
Development:
- Start with two-handed catching to get used to the timing and movement.
Challenge:
- Increase the distance between pairs
- Count in multiples of 2 with each successful catch
- Progress from beanbags to balls for added difficulty
Extension:
- Encourage pairs to keep throwing and catching continuously without pausing between throws
Learn a new skill
Juggling
Each child will need three small balls. Explain that learning to juggle takes practice, patience, and persistence, and that it’s normal for it to feel challenging at first. Take time with each step and allow plenty of repetition before moving on.
Step 1: One Ball Practice
- Start with one ball. Gently toss it from one hand to the other.
- The throw should follow a smooth arc through the air. Higher throws give more time to react.
- Keep a soft, relaxed gaze – try to take in the whole movement rather than staring directly at the ball.
Step 2: Two Ball Practice
- Hold one ball in each hand.
- Throw the first ball from your left hand to your right.
- As it reaches its highest point, throw the second ball from your right hand to your left.
- Catch both balls. Practise starting from both sides – left to right and right to left.
- Focus on the rhythm: throw – throw – catch – catch.
Step 3: Introducing the Third Ball
- Choose your dominant hand—this is the hand that feels most natural and will start each attempt. Hold two balls in this hand and one ball in the other.
- Throw the first ball from your dominant hand.
- Just before catching it, throw the second ball from your other hand.
- Catch both balls and reset.
- Practise slowly, building confidence in the rhythm: throw – throw – catch – catch.
Step 4: Full Juggle
- Start with two balls in your dominant hand and one in the other.
- Throw the first ball. As each ball reaches its peak, throw the next one – just before catching the previous.
- Try to keep the pattern going smoothly. The aim is to always have one ball in the air at all times.
- Focus on rhythm and control, not speed.
Reflection: Talk with the class about how learning to juggle shows the value of perseverance, focus, and staying calm when learning something new. Celebrate small progress steps.
Mindfulness
Cyclical Breathing
Ask the children to find their own space and lie down comfortably on their backs. Each child should place a beanbag on their chest or upper tummy.
Explain that this is a quiet, calm activity. Everyone should try to stay still and focused to help create a peaceful environment.
Guide the children through a breathing pattern using a calm count of four:
- Breathe in slowly for 4 counts
- Hold the breath for 4 counts
- Breathe out slowly for 4 counts
Ask them to focus on the beanbag. They should notice it rise as they breathe in, stay still as they hold their breath, and fall as they breathe out. Remind them the beanbag is moving just like their breath – and that focusing on this movement can help them feel calm and clear-headed.
Repeat the breathing cycle as many times as you like, encouraging the children to stay relaxed and present.