Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define what "fitness," "balance," and "coordination" mean in your own words. (CAPS: Life Skills – Physical Education, Movement Activities)
• Demonstrate at least three different balance exercises. (CAPS: Life Skills – Physical Education, Movement Activities)
• Participate actively in exercises that improve your strength and coordination. (CAPS: Life Skills – Physical Education, Participation and Movement)
• Explain how being fit helps you in your daily life. (CAPS: Life Skills – Personal and Social Well-being, Healthy Lifestyle)
• Follow instructions and work safely during physical activities. (CAPS: Life Skills – Physical Education, Safe Practices)

Lesson summary

This week, we're going to explore the amazing world of physical activity and how it helps us become fitter, have better balance, and move with coordination! Being physically active is super important, especially for growing kids in South Africa. It helps us run faster in our games of soccer, dance better to our favourite Gqom music, and even carry our school bags without getting too tired. It also helps us stay healthy and strong, ready to learn and play every day. We will focus on building our strength and flexibility this week to improve our overall fitness.

Lesson notes

What is Fitness? Fitness means being strong and healthy. A fit person can run, jump, play, and do everyday things without getting too tired. Imagine a soccer player running up and down the field, or a dancer moving gracefully on stage. They are fit! In our context, this means that you can participate in activities like helping carry groceries home for your gogo without getting too tired, or playing dibeke with your friends for a longer time. Being fit isn't just about being able to do hard things; it's also about feeling good! We can improve our fitness by doing regular physical activity, like running, jumping, playing games, and even just walking to school. A key part of fitness is also flexibility - how easily you can bend and stretch. What is Balance? Balance is your ability to stay steady and not fall over. Think about a flamingo standing on one leg or a gymnast walking on a beam. They have amazing balance! To have good balance, your body needs to work together. Being able to balance is crucial for doing things like walking on uneven ground (like a dirt road after the rain), riding a bicycle, or even just standing still in a crowded space. What is Coordination? Coordination is how well your body parts work together to perform a task smoothly. It's like a team working together to achieve a common goal. Think about catching a ball, kicking a soccer ball, or even writing neatly. All these activities require coordination. Good coordination is also important for everyday tasks, like getting dressed quickly in the morning or setting the table without dropping anything. Coordination also includes hand-eye coordination.

Worked example

Example 1: Balance - The Tree Pose: Imagine you are a tall, strong tree in the Drakensberg mountains. Stand on one leg. Place the sole of your other foot against your inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee). Bring your hands together in front of your chest (prayer position) or raise them overhead like branches reaching for the sun. Hold for 10 seconds, then switch legs.

Why this works:* This exercise strengthens your legs and core muscles, which are essential for balance. It also helps you focus and concentrate.

How to improve:* If you wobble, focus on a fixed point in front of you. Practice regularly, and you'll get better!

Example 2: Coordination - Throwing and Catching: Find a soft ball (like a tennis ball or a small foam ball). Stand facing a partner or a wall. Throw the ball underhand and try to catch it. Try different ways of throwing – overhand, sidearm.

Why this works:* This activity improves your hand-eye coordination and timing. It also helps develop your reaction time.

How to improve:* Start with short distances and gradually increase the distance as you get better. Practice different throwing and catching techniques.

Example 3: Strength - Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your hips as if you are sitting down in a chair. Keep your back straight and your chest up. Push back up to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Why this works:* Squats strengthen your leg and core muscles which are vital for things like running, jumping, and even getting up from sitting on the floor.

How to improve:* Start with shallow squats and gradually increase the depth as you get stronger. You can also hold your arms out in front of you for balance.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name one thing you can do at home to improve your balance.

Solution:

One possible answer is to practice standing on one leg while brushing your teeth. This incorporates balance into your daily routine, making it easier to remember and practice regularly.

Question 2: Thando is struggling to catch a ball. What advice would you give him to improve his coordination?