Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Demonstrate the ability to hop on one foot for a distance of at least 2 metres without losing balance.
• Walk along a straight line (10cm wide) forwards and backwards, demonstrating improved dynamic balance.
• Throw a beanbag underarm towards a target (a large hoop) from a distance of 2 metres with some accuracy.
• Catch a large, soft ball or beanbag tossed from a short distance, using two hands.
• Participate cooperatively in a group game, following simple rules and instructions given by the teacher.

Lesson summary

Introduction This lesson focuses on developing fundamental gross motor skills through movement, games, and play. For Grade R learners in South Africa, this is a critical area of development that extends beyond the playground. These activities build physical confidence, coordination, and strength, which are essential for everyday tasks like dressing themselves, carrying their school bags, and participating in community activities. By engaging in structured play, learners also develop crucial social skills like taking turns, following rules, and teamwork. We will explore locomotor skills (hopping, skipping), stability skills (balancing), and manipulative skills (throwing and catching).

Lesson notes

This week, we focus on key building blocks of physical development called Gross Motor Skills. These are movements that use the large muscles in our arms, legs, and torso. Think of them as the 'superhero' skills that let us run, jump, and play!

Locomotor Skills: Moving Around These are skills that move your body from one place to another.

Hopping: This means to jump and land on the same foot. It's a great workout for leg strength and balance.

How to Hop: Stand on one foot (your 'strong' foot). Bend your standing knee slightly. Push off the ground with the ball of your foot to jump up. Land softly on the same foot, bending your knee to absorb the shock. Use your arms out to the side like airplane wings to help you balance.

Example: Imagine you are a flamingo standing in the water or playing a game of amagende (hopscotch). You need to hop from one block to the next without putting your other foot down.

Skipping: This is a more complex skill that combines a step and a hop in a rhythmic pattern.

How to Skip: Start with a step forward with one foot (e.g., your left foot). Immediately do a small hop on that same foot (your left foot). Then, step forward with your other foot (your right foot). Immediately do a small hop on that foot (your right foot).

The pattern is: Step-Hop, Step-Hop, Step-Hop.

Why it's important: Skipping develops coordination and rhythm, which are important for dancing, sports, and even helps with reading rhythm later on.

Stability Skills: The Art of Balance This is about controlling your body and not falling over.

Dynamic Balance: This is balancing while you are moving.

How to Practice: Find a line on the ground (a crack in the paving, a chalk line, or a low beam). Walk along the line, placing one foot directly in front of the other (heel-to-toe). Keep your eyes looking forward, not down at your feet. Hold your arms out to the side to help you stay steady.

Example: Imagine you are a brave adventurer crossing a narrow bridge over a river. You must walk carefully to avoid falling into the imaginary water!

Manipulative Skills: Working with Objects These skills involve controlling an object with your hands or feet.

Throwing (Underarm): This is a gentle toss, perfect for aiming at targets that are close.

How to Throw Underarm: Stand facing your target. Hold the beanbag or ball in your throwing hand. Step forward with the foot opposite your throwing hand (if you throw with your right hand, step with your left foot). Swing your arm back gently, then swing it forward like a pendulum. Let go of the beanbag when your hand is pointing at the target.

Why it's important: This is the foundation for games like bowling and is a safe way to pass objects to others.

Catching: This is about using your hands to stop a moving object.

How to Catch: Watch the object (the ball or beanbag) as it flies towards you. Don't take your eyes off it! Get your hands ready, forming a 'basket' shape with your fingers pointing up for a high ball or down for a low ball. As the ball touches your hands, bring your hands and arms in towards your body. This is called 'cradling' and makes the catch soft.

Example: When your mom or dad gently tosses you an orange, you watch it and use two hands to catch it softly so it doesn't get bruised. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Activity 1: The Hopping Path Instruction: "We are going to follow the 'Hopping Path' I've made with chalk. You must hop on one foot from the start to the finish. When you see a green circle, you can switch feet. Try not to step on the 'lava' outside the path!" Worked Solution &

Commentary: The teacher first demonstrates how to hop along the path, emphasizing bending the knee and using arms for balance. They provide verbal cues like, "Push off... land softly... good balancing!" The solution is for the child to successfully navigate the path. The commentary focuses on participation and effort, not perfection. "I see how hard Zanele is trying to keep her balance! That's fantastic! Remember to use your airplane arms to help you." Activity 2: Walking the 'Rainbow Bridge' Instruction: "This long rope on the ground is our 'Rainbow Bridge'. Can you walk all the way across it without stepping off? First, try walking forwards. Then, see if you can walk backwards very carefully." Worked Solution &

Commentary: The teacher shows how to walk heel-to-toe with arms outstretched. For the backward walk, they emphasize taking small, slow steps. The solution is the child's attempt to cross the rope.

The commentary should praise the process: "Sipho is looking straight ahead, which is a great way to keep his balance. Well done! Even if you step off, just get right back on and try again." Activity 3: Feed the Hungry Monster Instruction: "This big cardboard box with a face on it is our 'Hungry Monster', and it loves to eat beanbags!