Essential Resources for Effective PE Lessons
Sport in schools is an essential part of a well-rounded education, promoting physical health, teamwork, and encouraging children to be active. Teachers need to make sure their lessons are as well-resourced as possible, to ensure students get the most out of the time they have. In order to keep everyone engaged and moving, there needs to be enough equipment for everyone, and differentiation planned out beforehand. Here are 5 key resources that help make a successful PE lesson, for both primary and secondary children, from the Paper Plus online range.
Tuftex Exercise mat- lightweight foam mat
For any indoor PE lessons, a mat is an essential piece of kit, as it allows for safety to be paramount, but also for a wide variety of activities to take place. Mats can be stored away and brought out for lessons, often by the children, and then placed around a sports hall as and when needed. They are fantastic for gymnastics, yoga, or as landing mats when using apparatus. An exercise mat can be shared by a group of children or used individually for stretching exercises- however you use it, it is key for any indoor PE lesson.
Shop Tuftex PE Mats >
Multicone 40cm
A cone is another vital piece of kit for all good Sports departments, as it is multi-purpose. Cones are mainly used to mark out pitches and areas that are being used for matches, but also support children with knowing where to stand and where they can or cannot go. Cones are lightweight and incredibly durable- they can survive being kicked and live to fight another day! The cones featured on the Paper Plus website have holes inside them, meaning they can be linked together with rods. This allows for exercise activities, including jumping over rods or balancing. Another resource that should be in every good PE cupboard!
Shop Multicone 40cm >
Plastic moulded football
Children will always want to play football- it is the most popular game in the playground and where dreams and sometimes careers begin. Having a variety of footballs for children to play with helps them let off steam, but also encourages teamwork and making friends. For younger children, it is important that footballs are softer and not too hard, in case they are hit by a stray shot and need first aid. Having a store of footballs is key, as many will end up on a roof or sailing over the fence during a particularly boisterous game. A football is also an easy way to include all students quickly and promote a team mentality.
Shop Plastic Moulded Footballs >
Balance benches
Balance benches have a variety of purposes, from sitting on in assembly to using as part of a gymnastics lesson. They can be lifted by children and also used as part of a wall apparatus, to climb up and down. Balance benches are a fantastic addition to any hall, helping to cordon off certain areas, or give children a place to sit down, without using individual chairs. A must for any primary school and a great addition to a PE lesson, especially if playing bench ball!
Shop Balance Benches >
First aid kit
One of the most important resources for a successful PE lesson is a first aid kit. PE staff should be first aid trained, in case of any eventuality and there should always be a kit on hand in case a child injures themselves whilst playing a match or taking part in physical exercise. A sports first aid kit is able to be carried around and is also waterproof, for outdoor games. It should contain bandages and plasters, as well as tape and scissors to attach dressings. There should also be some antiseptic wipes to clean any wounds, as well as an ice pack for swelling or bruises. Having a well-stocked first aid kit keeps children fit and healthy and involved in the lesson as much as possible.
