Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Perform at least three different locomotor movements.
• Participate actively in simple group games.
• Maintain balance while doing simple actions.
• Identify at least one safety rule for physical activity.
• Follow instructions while playing a game.

Lesson summary

Physical education in Grade R is not just about running around; it’s a crucial part of developing your body and mind! This week, we are focusing on movement, games, and play, which are essential for developing strong muscles, coordination, balance, and social skills. Learning to move our bodies in different ways helps us stay healthy, have fun, and learn how to interact with others. In our communities, we see people playing soccer, netball, and even just running and jumping for fun. These activities keep us active and connected. This week's lessons will help prepare learners to participate in these activities safely and confidently.

Lesson notes

This week, we'll be learning about different ways to move our bodies and play together safely. We’ll focus on locomotor movements, balance, games and play, and safety.

Locomotor Movements: These are movements that move us from one place to another. Think of it like travelling!

Examples include: Walking: Putting one foot in front of the other, moving forward. Imagine walking to your friend's house.

Running: Like walking, but much faster! Imagine running to catch the school bus.

Hopping: Jumping on one foot repeatedly. Imagine a bunny hopping in the garden.

Skipping: A combination of a hop and a step. Imagine skipping to greet your Gogo.

Galloping: Moving forward with one foot leading and the other foot trailing behind. Think of a horse galloping across the field.

Crawling: Using hands and knees to move. Think of a baby crawling on the floor.

Balance: This is the ability to keep your body steady. It's important for many activities.

Standing on one leg: Try lifting one leg and holding it for a few seconds. Imagine a flamingo standing tall! Practise both legs equally.

Walking on a line: Pretend there's a straight line on the ground and try to walk along it without stepping off. Imagine walking a tightrope!

Games and Play: Playing games is a fun way to learn to cooperate with others and follow rules.

Simple Simon Says: A leader gives instructions, and you only follow them if they start with "Simon Says." This teaches listening skills and following instructions. For example, "Simon Says touch your nose," or "Touch your toes" (don't do it unless Simon says). Red Light, Green Light: One person is "it" and stands with their back to the others. When they say "Green Light," you can move towards them. When they say "Red Light," you must freeze. If you move on Red Light, you're out! This teaches impulse control and listening skills. Duck, Duck, Goose: Children sit in a circle. One child walks around tapping each child's head saying "Duck, Duck, Duck..." then chooses one child and says "Goose!" The goose chases the first child around the circle, trying to tag them before they sit down in the goose's spot. This game teaches taking turns and running.

Safety: Keeping ourselves safe while playing is very important.

Looking around: Always look around before you start moving to make sure you won't bump into anything or anyone. Think of checking before crossing the road.

Keeping space: Give yourself and others enough space to move without bumping into each other. Imagine being careful not to step on someone's toes.

Listening to instructions: Pay attention to the rules of the game and follow them carefully. Imagine following the rules of a soccer game to avoid getting a yellow card!

Wearing appropriate clothing: Dress comfortably in clothes that allow you to move easily.

Worked example

Example: Hopping: Imagine you are a springbok leaping across the Karoo. Demonstrate hopping on your right foot five times, then switch to your left foot and hop five times. Focus on keeping your balance by using your arms.

Solution: Learners should successfully hop on each foot, demonstrating some ability to maintain balance.

Commentary: This example directly addresses locomotor skills and balance.

Example: Red Light, Green Light: Let’s play a round of Red Light, Green Light. You are the “it” person. Explain how the game works, emphasizing that players must freeze on “Red Light.”

Solution: The leader (teacher initially) stands facing away. Other students move forward on "Green Light" and freeze on "Red Light." Anyone moving on "Red Light" is out.

Commentary: This enforces following instructions and impulse control.

Example: Balance Beam (Imaginary): Pretend there's a line on the floor. Can you walk heel-to-toe (placing the heel of your front foot just in front of the toes of your back foot) along that line without falling off? Try it three times.

Solution: Learners attempt to walk the line, demonstrating balance and coordination.

Commentary: This is a modified balance exercise for young learners.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question: Nandi is playing with her friends. She wants to move from the swing to the seesaw. Describe three different ways she could move to get there, using locomotor movements we learned about today.

Solution: Nandi could walk, run, or skip to the seesaw. Alternatively, she could hop or even crawl (though that might take longer). The key is the learner uses a defined locomotor movement.

Commentary: This assesses understanding of different locomotor movements.

Question: You are playing "Simon Says." Simon says, "Simon says touch your toes." What should you do? Then, the leader says, "Clap your hands." What should you do?

Solution: You should touch your toes. You should NOT clap your hands because the leader did not say, "Simon says."

Commentary: This tests the ability to follow instructions selectively.

Question: You are playing tag with your friends during break time. Another learner falls down while running. What is the safest thing for you to do?

Solution: The safest thing to do is to stop playing and tell a teacher or a responsible adult about the fallen learner. Make sure the area is clear around them and help them if they need it.

Commentary: This reinforces safety awareness and responsible behaviour.

Question: Imagine you are a penguin. Show us how you walk.

Solution: Children should waddle from side to side, keeping their feet wide apart and their arms close to their body.

Commentary: This creative movement helps learners to understand different forms of movement.

Independent Practice (Questions Only)

Describe what "hopping" is and demonstrate it.

Explain the rules of "Red Light, Green Light" in your own words.

Name two things you should do to stay safe while playing outside.

Demonstrate a simple balancing action (other than standing on one leg).

How is skipping different from running?

If the game is "Simon Says jump up and down," but the leader says "Jump up and down" what should you do?

Which is faster, walking or running? Explain why.

Name a game you like to play with your friends at school. Describe how you play it.

Why is it important to warm up before running?

Pretend to be a creeping lion cub and move across the floor.