Class 8 · Physical Education and Well Being · New NCERT
Chapter 1: Foundations of Physical Education and Well-being
"Foundations of Physical Education and Well-being" is Unit 1 of Khel Yatra for Grade 8, from about page 8 to page 35 after the opening warm-up and cool-down section. The preface says students explore the connection between physical education and well-being and its impact on personal and social behaviour, play games and engage in discussions, learn concepts of Physics and Biology in a playful manner and learn safety measures. The contents list ten activities, including Horse Vault Race, Progressive Mass Drill, Baraf Pani, Conduction Relay, Motion-in-Action Relay, Breathing in Action and Adapt and Achieve.
This is chapter 1 of 6 in Khel Yatra, the Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being textbook, in Unit 1, Foundations of Physical Education and Well-being, and begins on page 8 of the printed 2026-27 book. It is the opening chapter and is followed by "Physical and Motor Fitness".
The goals in "Foundations of Physical Education and Well-being" go beyond physical skill. The book links movement with socio-emotional learning: encouraging classmates, accepting mistakes, sharing equipment and handling both success and disappointment gracefully. Teachers are advised to give enough time at the end of the session for circle time, where children describe their experience and listen to others. Variations of each activity keep it interesting and allow adaptation to local space, weather and resources.
Try a short family session based on "Foundations of Physical Education and Well-being". Let the child lead, explain the rules and show the movements. This turns learning into shared fun, and builds regular physical activity into the family routine.
This overview is written from the 2026-27 textbook's Contents page, its preface and the chapter title, to help families and teachers prepare. Please read the chapter itself for exact content, activities and exercises.
Topics covered
- Horse Vault Race
- Progressive Mass Drill
- Baraf Pānī
- Chār Tālī
- Conduction Relay
- Motion-in-Action Relay
- Breathing in Action
- Flex and React Challenge
- Move Like a Machine
- Adapt and Achieve