Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Show how to run, hop, and skip correctly.
• Play games with others and follow the rules.
• Understand why we need to warm up our bodies.
• Improve our balance and know where our body is in space.

Lesson summary

This week in Physical Education, we will be focusing on developing our fundamental movement skills through engaging games. Movement is incredibly important for all South African children. It helps us grow strong bones and muscles, improves our coordination, and keeps us healthy. Participating in games teaches us to work together, follow rules, and have fun while being active. Being active is also a great way to manage stress and feel good about ourselves. Remember the South African proverb, "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu," meaning "a person is a person through other people." Games and teamwork help us connect with each other!

Lesson notes

Fundamental Movement Skills: These are the building blocks for all types of physical activities. They are the basic movements we learn as children and continue to use throughout our lives. This week, we focus on locomotor skills.

Locomotor Skills: These skills involve moving from one place to another.

Running: Running is a fast way to move on your feet. To run properly, keep your head up, arms bent at your elbows and swinging forward and back, and take quick, light steps. Remember to bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact.

Example:* Running to catch a bus, running to tag someone in a game of 'Tag', running a race at sports day.

Hopping: Hopping involves pushing off the ground with one foot and landing on the same foot. Try to hop high and maintain your balance. Use your arms for balance.

Example:* Hopping over a small puddle, hopping during a game of 'Hopscotch'.

Skipping: Skipping is a combination of a step and a hop. First, take a step forward with one foot, then hop on that same foot. Repeat with the other foot. Skipping is a rhythmic movement that requires coordination. It's almost like dancing while moving forward!

Example:* Skipping rope, skipping around the playground.

Importance of Warm-Up: A warm-up prepares your body for physical activity. It increases your heart rate, loosens your muscles, and helps prevent injuries.

Example:* If you are cold, your muscles can be stiff. Imagine trying to bend a cold, stiff twig. It might break! A warm-up is like gently warming that twig so it bends easily.

Warm-up exercises: Examples include: gentle jogging in place, arm circles, leg swings, and stretching.

Balance and Spatial Awareness: Balance is the ability to maintain your body's equilibrium. Spatial awareness is understanding where your body is in relation to the space around you.

Example:* Imagine carrying a stack of books on your head. You need balance to prevent the books from falling.

Balance Beam Activities: Walking along a line on the ground or a low balance beam can improve balance.

Obstacle Courses: Navigating obstacles like cones and hoops helps develop spatial awareness. You need to judge distances and move your body accordingly.

Rules in Games: Following rules is important for fair play and safety. Rules ensure everyone understands how to play and prevents arguments.

Example:* In a game of 'Duck, Duck, Goose', the rule is that you can only tap people on the head and say 'Goose' before running.

Teamwork: Working together as a team helps us achieve a common goal. It teaches us to cooperate, communicate, and support each other. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thando wants to run faster. What are two things he should remember to do with his arms while running?

Solution: Thando should remember to: Bend his arms at the elbows. Swing his arms forward and back.

Commentary: This reinforces the correct running technique taught in the 'Key Concepts' section.* Question 2: Lerato is playing hopscotch. What part of her body is she using to push off the ground?

Solution: Lerato is using one foot to push off the ground.

Commentary: This highlights the single-leg propulsion characteristic of hopping.* Question 3: Sipho is about to play a game of tag. Why is it important for him to do some warm-up exercises first?

Solution: It is important for Sipho to warm up to: Increase his heart rate. Loosen his muscles. Prevent injuries.

Commentary: This reinforces the three main benefits of a warm-up.* Question 4: In a game of 'Statues', you must stand still like a statue when the music stops. What skill are you using the most to stay still?

Solution: You are using balance.

Commentary: This connects a fun game to the core concept of balance.* Independent Practice (Questions Only) Describe three things that happen to your body when you warm up. Explain the difference between running and skipping. Imagine you are teaching a friend how to hop. What instructions would you give them? Why is it important to follow the rules in a game? Give an example. Design a simple obstacle course using items you can find at home (e.g., pillows, chairs, blankets). Describe the obstacles and how to move through them. Name three different activities you can do outside to practice your locomotor skills. You are playing a game where you need to throw a ball into a bucket. What skills do you need besides throwing the ball? What could you do to cool down after a physical activity? How can working as a team in a game help you in other parts of your life like at home or with your family?