Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Physical education in Grade R is all about getting our bodies moving and learning how to control them! This week, we're focusing on balance, coordination, and locomotion. These skills are super important for South African learners because they help us play safely, participate in sports like soccer and netball, and even just walk around confidently without falling. Being able to balance, coordinate our movements, and move our bodies efficiently allows us to enjoy physical activities, develop our confidence, and stay healthy. These skills are also fundamental for developing fine motor skills needed for writing and other classroom activities. Imagine trying to play "kgati" (skipping rope) if you couldn't balance or coordinate your jumps!
• Learning Objectives:
• By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
• Balance: Demonstrate static balance by standing on one leg for 5 seconds. (CAPS: Demonstrate control of large muscles)
• Coordination: Successfully throw and catch a soft ball (e.g., a tennis ball or beanbag) at least 3 times in a row. (CAPS: Demonstrate coordination of eye-hand movement)

Lesson summary

Physical education in Grade R is all about getting our bodies moving and learning how to control them! This week, we're focusing on balance, coordination, and locomotion. These skills are super important for South African learners because they help us play safely, participate in sports like soccer and netball, and even just walk around confidently without falling. Being able to balance, coordinate our movements, and move our bodies efficiently allows us to enjoy physical activities, develop our confidence, and stay healthy. These skills are also fundamental for developing fine motor skills needed for writing and other classroom activities.

Lesson notes

Balance: Balance is the ability to keep your body steady and upright.

There are two main types: Static Balance: This is when you're holding a position still, like standing on one leg or balancing a beanbag on your head. Imagine you're a flamingo! Keeping your body still requires your brain to work with your muscles to make small adjustments.

Dynamic Balance: This is when you're balancing while moving, like walking along a line or riding a bicycle. Think about walking across a narrow bridge made of bricks in your garden - that's dynamic balance!

Coordination: Coordination is the ability to use different parts of your body together smoothly and efficiently. It involves your brain, eyes, and muscles all working together. When you catch a ball, your eyes track the ball, your brain calculates where it's going, and your hands reach out to catch it. That's coordination! Coordination is also needed for activities like skipping, kicking a ball, and even buttoning your shirt.

Locomotion: Locomotion refers to the different ways we can move our bodies from one place to another.

This includes: Walking: Moving forward by alternating steps with your feet.

Running: Moving faster than walking, with periods where both feet are off the ground.

Hopping: Jumping forward on one foot.

Skipping: A combination of a hop and a step, alternating feet.

Jumping: Pushing off the ground with both feet at the same time.

Crawling: Moving on your hands and knees. Think of how babies move!

Worked example

Balance: Standing on one leg (Static Balance)

Instructions: Stand tall. Lift one leg off the ground, keeping your arms out to the sides for balance. Hold the position for as long as you can, trying to reach 5 seconds. Then switch legs.

Why it works: This exercise strengthens the muscles in your legs and core, which help you maintain balance. Looking at a fixed point in front of you helps to steady your body.

South African connection: This is useful for playing games like "statues" where you need to hold a pose!

Coordination: Throwing and Catching a ball

Instructions: Stand a short distance away from a partner. Throw a soft ball (like a tennis ball or beanbag) to your partner, aiming for their hands. Your partner catches the ball. Take turns throwing and catching.

Why it works: This exercise improves eye-hand coordination. Focusing on the ball as you throw and catch helps your brain learn to judge distances and timing.

South African connection: This is a great way to practice for sports like cricket or softball!

Locomotion: Hopping forward

Instructions: Stand on one foot. Hop forward, landing on the same foot. Continue hopping forward, trying to hop in a straight line. Then switch to the other foot.

Why it works: Hopping strengthens your leg muscles and improves your balance. It also requires coordination to hop rhythmically and maintain your balance.

South African connection: This is good practice for skipping rope or playing hopscotch ("diketo")

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Can you balance a beanbag on your head for 3 seconds?

Solution:

Step 1: Carefully place a beanbag on the top of your head.

Step 2: Stand tall and still. Look straight ahead.

Step 3: Try to keep the beanbag from falling off for at least 3 seconds.

Commentary: This exercise helps develop static balance. If the beanbag keeps falling, try widening your stance (feet further apart) for more stability.

Question 2: Can you throw a ball to a partner and catch it after they bounce it once?