Top tips for physical activity fun

Physical activity is a great chance to have fun with friends and learn new ways to move your/their body. It can help build strength, balance, confidence and supports mental health and wellbeing.
We’ve listed lots of different ideas to help make physical activity easier and more enjoyable. 
Try these activities for 10–12 weeks to see if they help. If they do, you can keep using them as part of your/ the young person’s P.E. lessons/sporting activities.

General Participation Strategies

Apply these strategies consistently across all physical activities.

• Take the lead from the young person’s pace with activities  
• Ensure you/the young person is close by when providing instructions
• Use short, clear instructions. Repeat and demonstrate tasks to aid understanding.
• Provide the opportunity for the young person to check they have understood the instructions
• Use larger or slower-moving items (e.g. balloons or big balls) to make activities more accessible.
• Offer extra time and suggest easy-to-change clothing. Refer to dressing advice sheets for more support. Skills for Independence | RHCG
• A peer buddy can offer support if appropriate.

Sensory Considerations

• Physical activity can be loud and busy, which may be overwhelming. Prepare the young person by explaining what to expect.
• Allow the young person to sit out briefly if they feel tired or overwhelmed.
• Encourage calm voices from both adults and young person to help maintain focus.
• After energetic games, allow time to settle. Use calming transitions like slow counting (e.g. to 10 or 20).  Encourage the young person to apply pressure to their head or to do wall push ups to help with this.