Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• This lesson focuses on fundamental movement skills and participation in simple games, which are crucial components of the Grade 1 Life Skills curriculum under the Physical Education study area. In South Africa, where outdoor play and community sports are a vital part of childhood, mastering these basic skills is essential. Activities like running in a field, playing indigenous games like amagende (hopscotch), or a simple game of catch with a friend are not just for fun; they are foundational for physical health, social development, and emotional well-being. This lesson helps learners develop body control, coordination, and spatial awareness, which keeps them safe during play. Furthermore, learning to follow rules and play with others teaches valuable social skills like sharing, turn-taking, and good sportsmanship, reflecting the spirit of Ubuntu – I am because we are.
• By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
• Participate with control in locomotor movements, including running, hopping, and skipping.
• Demonstrate emerging competency in manipulative skills, specifically throwing and catching a large ball with a partner.
• Follow simple instructions and rules within a structured group game.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on fundamental movement skills and participation in simple games, which are crucial components of the Grade 1 Life Skills curriculum under the Physical Education study area. In South Africa, where outdoor play and community sports are a vital part of childhood, mastering these basic skills is essential. Activities like running in a field, playing indigenous games like amagende (hopscotch), or a simple game of catch with a friend are not just for fun; they are foundational for physical health, social development, and emotional well-being. This lesson helps learners develop body control, coordination, and spatial awareness, which keeps them safe during play.

Lesson notes

a.

Locomotor Movements: Moving Your Body from Place to Place Locomotor movements are the actions that move your body from one spot to another. They are the building blocks for playing almost any game!

Running: This is more than just walking fast. To run properly, you should: Lift your knees up high. Swing your arms forwards and backwards (not across your body). Look in the direction you are going to stay safe. Push off from the balls of your feet. Why is this important? Running helps make your heart and lungs strong. We use it to play games like tag (tikkie) or to get to the ball first in soccer.

Hopping: This means jumping and landing on the same foot. It requires good balance. Stand on one foot. Bend your knee slightly. Push off the ground and land softly on the ball of the same foot. Why is this important? Hopping builds strong leg muscles and improves your balance, which helps prevent falls. It's the main skill you need for the popular South African game, amagende.

Skipping: This is a combination of a step and a hop (step-hop, step-hop). Take a step forward with one foot. Do a small hop on that same foot. Then, step forward with the other foot and do a small hop on it. Why is this important? Skipping is a fun, rhythmic activity that is excellent for coordination – making your brain and body work together smoothly. b.

Manipulative Skills: Controlling an Object These are skills where you use your body (usually hands or feet) to move an object, like a ball.

Throwing (a large ball): We will focus on a two-handed underhand throw for accuracy. Hold the ball with both hands in front of your tummy. Step forward with one foot towards your target (your friend). Swing the ball gently backwards between your legs and then forwards, letting go of it so it travels in the air to your friend. Why is this important? Learning to aim and control the power of a throw is key for games like netball, basketball, and even just playing catch.

Catching (a large ball): This needs good hand-eye coordination. Watch the ball from the moment it leaves the thrower's hands. Make a "basket" or a "big mouth" with your hands, ready for the ball. As the ball touches your hands, bring your arms in towards your body to cushion it. This is called 'hugging the ball' and stops it from bouncing out. Why is this important? Catching is a vital skill for safety (catching something that's about to fall) and for almost every ball sport. c.

Spatial Awareness: Knowing Your Space Personal Space: Think of this as your own invisible bubble. It's the space right around your body that you need to move without touching anyone else. We must respect our own and others' personal space to play safely.

General Space: This is the entire area we are playing in, like the school field or the classroom. When we move in the general space, we need to be aware of where others are so we don't have collisions. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: The 'Robot' Game Instruction: "I am the controller of the robots. When I say 'Go,' you must all run around the space safely. When I say 'Freeze,' you must stop immediately and hold your position like a statue. What three things should you remember when running to be a safe robot?" Solution: Look where you are going: Your head should be up so you can see the general space and other 'robots'.

Keep your arms by your side: Swing them forward and back, not out wide where they might hit someone.

Stay in your personal space bubble: Try not to run too close to another robot to avoid bumping into them when the 'Freeze' command is given.

Question 2: Partner Catch Practice Instruction: "You are standing a few steps away from your partner. Your partner throws a large, soft ball towards your chest. What should your hands and arms do to be a successful catcher?" Solution: Hands Ready: Your hands should be open and facing the ball, creating a 'basket' shape.

Watch the Ball: Your eyes must follow the ball all the way into your hands.

Cushion the Catch: As the ball arrives, you should pull your hands and arms back towards your body. This makes the catch soft and stops the ball from bouncing away.

Question 3: Follow the Leader - Movement Patterns Instruction: "Follow me and copy my movements. I am going to do two hops on my right foot, and then two hops on my left foot. To do this without falling, where should you look and what can your arms do to help?" Solution: Focus Your Eyes: To help with balance, you should not look down at your feet. Instead, pick a spot in front of you on the wall or across the field and keep your eyes on it.

Use Your Arms: You can hold your arms out to the side like airplane wings. This helps you balance your body, just like a tightrope walker uses a pole. Independent Practice (Questions Only) Lay a skipping rope on the ground in a straight line. Can you walk along it like a balance beam without stepping off? Find a partner. Stand 5 big steps apart. Practice throwing a beanbag underhand to each other.