Now we’re entering October and those crisp and often damp mornings have returned, it’s time to start retrofitting PE lessons to suit seasonal changes. With Covid-19 still very much omnipresent, it’s important that children maintain a regular exercise and activity schedule.

In previous years, this season was business as usual. Owing to the last 18 months of disruption, we need to maximise the time we spend helping children get back into healthy habits. Colder weather and potential showers are on the horizon, so the question is, how do you prepare engaging PE lessons when the outdoors seem a little grim?

Here are our top tips!

Practice packing a change of clothes

Both children and their parents need to get back into the habit of packing a PE kit. Sweatshirts, joggers and comfortable grippy shoes are best. As a result of the pandemic, plenty of schools trialled having children walk to school in their PE kit. It meant they could keep to their normal schedules and at the same time reduce the contraction of Covid.

Now with colder weather setting in, it might be time to consider some new PE options. Walking to school in your PE kit isn’t a viable option but reminding parents to pack safe and weather-appropriate kit is. Carrying at least a change of shoes for indoor activity would be helpful for a variety of different movements, from jumping to dancing.

A quick reminder in an email or physical bulletin about PE and activity days alongside some images of appropriate kit and footwear will keep everyone in check.

Interchangeable indoor and outdoor options

There may be a few sunny or mild days still in the future so activities that work well inside as well as out are a great option. Activities such as Dodgeball and Stick in the Mud can be played using indoor equipment such as benches, mats, and vaults, but for the outdoors, they work well with bibs and tags.

Make the most of seasonal traditional sports such as Rugby, Football and Hockey. Best of all, regardless of the equipment you have available, you can opt for shorter games and activities that allow pupils to share equipment. Shorter form games mean practicing passing, navigating with a ball and basic ball skills. If you’re looking for creative options that give you use of an indoor space but are flexible with kit, consider exploring different cultures and disciplines in dance and martial arts including Tai Chi and Bollywood.

If you are having problems finding space in school, you can opt for activities such as active storytelling that will produce huge benefits to their literacy and activity levels. These types of activities can be done in the classroom too, with minimal changes to their seating area.

Safety. Safety. Safety.

The three S’s. Not the most imaginative way to put it but it is essential in today’s climate. Safety, however, means more than just physical safety. It’s emotional and mental safety too. You need to ensure that you create a safe space where children feel like they can express themselves freely and at the same time understand and follow constructive criticism.

All activities need to be given alongside safety rules and instructions on how to put away and set up equipment safely. First Step PE are experts in making sport not only fun but safe. We perform risk assessments for every activity we lead children in and can report back to your school administration any updates that are pertinent.

Trust First Step PE to offer you the best in service, resilience and safety for your PE lessons. Contact the team now to find out more about our Pick & Mix offer.