Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Stand on one leg for 5 seconds.
• Walk heel-to-toe on a straight line.
• Throw a beanbag into a hoop.
• Catch a large, soft ball from a friend.
• Play safely in an obstacle course.

Lesson summary

Introduction This lesson focuses on developing and refining the fundamental physical skills of balance and coordination. In a Grade 2 learner's life in South Africa, these skills are not just for sport, but are crucial for everyday activities. Good balance prevents falls when navigating uneven pavements or playing on the school field. Coordination is essential for tasks like writing neatly, tying shoelaces, and participating in cultural games like kgati (skipping) or amagende (hopscotch).

Lesson notes

This section explains the core ideas of balance and coordination in a way that is easy for Grade 2 learners to understand. What is Balance? Balance is our body's superpower to stay steady and not fall over. Our brain, eyes, and muscles all work together like a team to keep us upright.

There are two types of balance: Static Balance: This is balancing while you are standing still. It's like being a statue!

Why it's important: We use static balance when we stand in a queue for the school bus, or when we reach up high to get a book from a shelf.

Example: Let's try to be a flamingo! Stand up straight. Now, lift one foot off the ground and bend your knee. Can you hold it without wobbling? To make it easier, you can stretch your arms out to the side like airplane wings. Try to look at one spot on the wall that isn't moving. This helps your brain keep your body steady.

Dynamic Balance: This is balancing while you are moving.

Why it's important: We use dynamic balance every time we walk, run, skip, or ride a bicycle. It's crucial for playing soccer with friends or walking on a narrow path.

Example: Imagine you are a brave explorer crossing a narrow bridge over a river full of crocodiles! A line on the floor is our bridge. To cross it safely, you must walk very carefully, placing one foot right in front of the other (heel-to-toe). Look ahead to where you are going, not down at your feet. This helps you stay on the line. What is Coordination? Coordination is how our brain tells our body parts to work together smoothly. It’s about making our hands, feet, and eyes work as a team to do something.

Hand-Eye Coordination: This is when your eyes see something, and your brain tells your hands what to do and exactly when to do it.

Why it's important: We use it for everything from catching a ball to writing our name, to pouring juice into a cup without spilling.

Example: Imagine a friend gently throws a soft ball to you. Your eyes watch the ball flying through the air. Your brain calculates how fast it is going and where it will land. It then sends a message to your arms and hands to move to the right spot and close around the ball at the perfect moment. That's hand-eye coordination in action!

Foot-Eye Coordination: This is just like hand-eye coordination, but with your feet!

Why it's important: It's vital for kicking a soccer ball, skipping, and stepping over puddles on a rainy day.

Example: When you play soccer, your eyes see the ball. Your brain tells your leg how hard to swing and your foot which part to use to kick the ball exactly where you want it to go – into the goal! Guided Practice (With Solutions) These activities should be teacher-led, with clear demonstrations.

Activity 1: The Flamingo Challenge (Static Balance)

Question/Task: Can you stand on one leg like a flamingo for a count of 5? First on your right leg, then on your left leg. Worked Solution &

Commentary: Demonstrate: The teacher shows the learners how to do it first. "Watch me. I will stand tall, pick a spot on the wall to look at, and lift my left leg. I'll use my arms for balance. One... two... three... four... five. Now I'll switch legs." Guide Learners: "Now it's your turn! Find your own space. Look at something that isn't moving. Raise one leg. Don't worry if you wobble, that's your muscles learning! Try to keep your body tight."

Commentary: The key is to find a focal point to stare at. This helps the brain stabilise the body. Using arms as counter-balances is a natural and effective strategy. If learners are struggling, they can start by holding onto a chair or wall.

Activity 2: The Tightrope Walker (Dynamic Balance)

Question/Task: Walk along the chalk line from one end to the other, placing the heel of your front foot against the toes of your back foot with every step. Worked Solution &

Commentary: Demonstrate: The teacher walks the line, exaggerating the heel-to-toe motion. "I am a tightrope walker high in the sky! My eyes are looking at the end of the rope, not at my feet. My arms are out to help me balance." Guide Learners: "Take turns to walk the line. Go slowly and carefully. Feel your heel touching your toe. If you step off, just get back on and try again."

Commentary: This activity forces controlled movement and enhances dynamic balance. Looking forward instead of down is critical, as it keeps the head and spine aligned, which is central to maintaining balance while in motion.

Activity 3: The Beanbag Bullseye (Hand-Eye Coordination)

Question/Task: Stand behind the marker (2 metres away) and try to toss the beanbag so it lands inside the hoop. Worked Solution &

Commentary: Demonstrate: The teacher shows an underhand toss. "I will stand with one foot forward. I will swing my arm back gently and then forward, letting go of the beanbag when my hand is pointing at the target. Watch how my eyes stay on the hoop the whole time." Guide Learners: "Now you try. Don't throw it too hard. It's a gentle toss. Bend your knees a little bit.