Easy classroom stretches
Stretching is a simple stress-release activity. Stretching increases the blood flow to muscles, which helps release tension. Students can stretch sitting at their desks or while moving around.
Year level
7-12
Duration
5 minutes
Type
In class activity
Online learning
SEL Competencies
Social awareness
Relationship skills
Learning intention
Students practise stretching to relieve stress and tension.
Key outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
recognise the benefits of stretching to relieve tension
know simple stretches to use in their own time.
Materials needed
Individual space for each student
Mapped to
Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities
Personal and Social Capability:
Self-awareness
Self-management
Critical and Creative Thinking:
Generating
Activity 1
Instructions
5 minutes
Ask students to move into a space where they feel comfortable.
Demonstrate a simple stretch – for example, stretching arms above the head as if reaching for the sky.
Ask students what other stretches they know. Alternate around the class, with students demonstrating and the remainder of the class following.
Hold stretches for 20 seconds.
Now ask students to sit at their desks.
Repeat any stretches that can be completed while sitting down – for example, reaching as far forward as possible.
Debrief discussion:
How can stretching be used to relieve stress?
Could stretching be used as a strategy during an exam?
