Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• This lesson introduces Grade R learners to the fundamental physical skills of balance, coordination, and locomotion. These are not just activities for a PE class; they are the building blocks for all movement. In a South African context, mastering these skills enables children to participate fully and safely in their environment. Whether it's navigating an uneven pavement in a bustling city, climbing a tree in a rural village, or playing indigenous games like ugqaphu (hopscotch) and kgati (skipping rope) in the schoolyard, these abilities are crucial. Developing these skills at a young age builds physical confidence, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and enhances cognitive development by strengthening the connection between the brain and the body.
• By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
• Demonstrate dynamic balance: Walk along a 3-metre straight line (e.g., chalk line or rope) forwards without stepping off more than twice.
• Exhibit basic locomotion skills: Hop on one foot for a distance of 2 metres without losing balance.
• Show developing hand-eye coordination: Successfully throw a beanbag into a large hoop or container from a 2-metre distance.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces Grade R learners to the fundamental physical skills of balance, coordination, and locomotion. These are not just activities for a PE class; they are the building blocks for all movement. In a South African context, mastering these skills enables children to participate fully and safely in their environment. Whether it's navigating an uneven pavement in a bustling city, climbing a tree in a rural village, or playing indigenous games like ugqaphu (hopscotch) and kgati (skipping rope) in the schoolyard, these abilities are crucial.

Lesson notes

This section explains the core ideas in simple terms that a Grade R learner can understand, supported by teacher-led explanations and demonstrations. a.

Balance: Your Body's Superpower to Stay Steady What it is: Balance is the ability to hold your body in a steady position without falling over. It’s like having a secret superpower that keeps you upright!

Why it's important: We need balance for almost everything! To stand, walk, run, and even to sit up straight in our chairs. Good balance keeps us safe and stops us from tumbling.

Two Types of Balance: Static Balance (Still Balance): This is when you balance without moving from your spot.

Example (South African Context): "Imagine you are a tall protea flower, standing strong and still in the field, even when a little breeze comes. Or pretend you are a meerkat standing on its back legs, looking out for danger. Try to stand on one leg like a flamingo at the dam. How long can you stay still?" Dynamic Balance (Moving Balance): This is when you balance while you are moving around.

Example (South African Context): "Think about walking on the pavement curb on your way to the spaza shop. You have to use your moving balance to stay on! Or when you walk across stepping stones to get over a stream. You are moving, but you have to stay balanced so you don't fall in!" b.

Coordination: Making Your Body Parts Work as a Team What it is: Coordination is when different parts of your body work together smoothly to do something. Your brain is the team captain, telling your arms, legs, and eyes what to do.

Why it's important: Coordination helps us do things like catch a ball, build with blocks, and even eat with a spoon without making a mess.

Key Type: Hand-Eye Coordination Explanation: This is when your eyes and your hands work together as a team. Your eyes see something (like a ball coming towards you), and they tell your hands exactly where to go to catch it.

Example (South African Context): "When you play with amagende (marbles), you use your eyes to aim and your thumb to flick the marble just right. That's amazing hand-eye coordination! When you help Gogo thread beads to make a beautiful necklace, your eyes and fingers are working together." c.

Locomotion: All the Ways You Can Move What it is: Locomotion means moving your body from one place to another. There are so many fun ways to move!

Why it's important: Locomotion helps us explore the world, play with our friends, and get our bodies strong and healthy. Different Ways to Move (with SA Animal Examples): Walking: The most common way we move. A slow and steady pace.

Running: Moving fast! "Let's run like a cheetah chasing its prey!" Hopping: Moving on one foot. "Can you hop like a springbok jumping through the grass?" Jumping: Pushing off with two feet and landing on two feet. "Let's jump high like a fish eagle swooping down!" Crawling: Moving on your hands and knees. "Let's crawl low like a tortoise looking for a shady spot." Galloping: A step-together-step movement, like a horse. "Let's gallop across the field like a wild horse!" Skipping: A step-and-a-hop movement. It's tricky but so much fun! Guided Practice (With Solutions) These are teacher-led activities to introduce and practice the skills.

Activity 1: The River Crossing (Balance)

Instruction: "Oh no! There's a river we need to cross, but the only way is on this narrow log!" (The 'log' is a 3-metre chalk line or masking tape on the floor). "Let's see if you can be brave explorers and walk all the way across without falling into the pretend water. Remember to put one foot right in front of the other. You can hold your arms out like aeroplane wings to help you balance!" Worked Solution &

Commentary: The teacher demonstrates first. A successful attempt is when the learner walks the entire line, placing heel-to-toe, with arms extended for balance. They may step off once or twice, which is perfectly fine.

The commentary for the child would be: "Wow, look at you! You kept your eyes looking forward and used your arms to stay steady. That's fantastic balancing!" Activity 2: The Beanbag Feed (Coordination)

Instruction: "Our hungry friend, the hippo, is waiting for his lunch!" (A large bucket or hula hoop is the 'hippo's mouth'). "Stand here behind the line. Can you toss these beanbag 'vegetables' into the hippo's mouth? Remember to look where you are throwing and swing your arm gently." Worked Solution &

Commentary: A successful attempt is the learner getting at least one of three beanbags into the target. The teacher should observe their stance and throwing motion (underhand is usually easiest).

The commentary: "Great throw! You looked right at the target before you threw, which told your hand exactly where to send the beanbag. That's super coordination!" Activity 3: Animal Parade (Locomotion)

Instruction: "Let's have an animal parade! When I call out an animal, you move like that animal across the room to the other side. Ready? Move like a... hopping springbok!