Physical and mental wellbeing – Year 6 lesson plan

Developed with teachers and NHS approved, this lesson explores how looking after our physical health can have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.

Pupils consider the different elements of physical wellbeing, including getting active, eating well and getting good quality sleep. Two short videos are embedded in the PowerPoint.

Curriculum

Supports the Relationships Education and Health Education statutory guidance

Mental wellbeing

• the benefits and importance of daily exercise, good nutrition and sufficient sleep
• that mental wellbeing is a normal part of daily life, in the same way as physical health
• the benefits of physical exercise, time outdoors, community participation, voluntary and service-based activity on mental wellbeing and happiness
• simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family, and the benefits of hobbies and interests
• where and how to seek support (including recognising the triggers for seeking support), including whom in school they should speak to if they are worried about their own or someone else's mental wellbeing or ability to control their emotions (including issues arising online)

Physical health and fitness

• the characteristics and mental and physical benefits of an active lifestyle
• the importance of building regular exercise into daily and weekly routines and how to achieve this – for example, walking or cycling to school, a daily active mile or other forms of regular, vigorous exercise

Healthy eating

• what constitutes a healthy diet

Supports the PSHE curriculum

Core Theme 1 (Health and wellbeing)

• H2 – about the elements of a balanced, healthy lifestyle
• H3 – about choices that support a healthy lifestyle, and recognise what might influence these
• H6 – about what constitutes a healthy diet; how to plan healthy meals; benefits to health and wellbeing of eating nutritionally rich foods
• H7 – how regular (daily and weekly) exercise benefits mental and physical health (for example, walking or cycling to school, daily active mile); recognise opportunities to be physically active and some of the risks associated with an inactive lifestyle
• H8 – about how sleep contributes to a healthy lifestyle; routines that support good quality sleep; the effects of lack of sleep on the body, feelings, behaviour and ability to learn
• H15 – that mental health, just like physical health, is part of daily life, and the importance of taking care of mental health
• H16 – about strategies and behaviours that support mental health – including how good quality sleep, physical exercise and time outdoors, being involved in community groups, doing things for others, clubs, and activities, hobbies and spending time with family and friends can support mental health and wellbeing

Learning outcomes

After this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• explain what wellbeing means
• explain the link between physical and mental wellbeing
• give advice to young people who want to improve their mental wellbeing

For more information on how to use these lesson plans in the classroom, visit the PSHE Association website.