Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• This week in Life Skills, we will focus on movement and games during our physical education time. Physical activity is incredibly important for Grade 1 learners in South Africa because it helps us grow strong, stay healthy, learn to work together, and most importantly, have fun! Many children in our communities love playing outside, whether it's in a park, a field, or even just in their yards. Learning how to move our bodies in different ways and play games safely makes playtime even more enjoyable and helps us develop important skills like coordination, balance, and teamwork. This week's activities will get us moving, laughing, and learning together.
• Learning Objectives:
• By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
• Demonstrate at least three different locomotor movements (e.g., running, skipping, hopping) with control and coordination.
• Participate actively and safely in a simple group game, following the rules and showing good sportsmanship.

Lesson summary

This week in Life Skills, we will focus on movement and games during our physical education time. Physical activity is incredibly important for Grade 1 learners in South Africa because it helps us grow strong, stay healthy, learn to work together, and most importantly, have fun! Many children in our communities love playing outside, whether it's in a park, a field, or even just in their yards. Learning how to move our bodies in different ways and play games safely makes playtime even more enjoyable and helps us develop important skills like coordination, balance, and teamwork. This week's activities will get us moving, laughing, and learning together.

Lesson notes

Locomotor Movements: These are movements that help us move from one place to another. They are the building blocks of many games and activities.

Running: Moving quickly on your feet, taking strides and lifting your knees. Think about how soccer players run up and down the field!

Skipping: A combination of a hop and a step on the same foot, alternating feet. Imagine children skipping to school.

Hopping: Jumping on one foot and landing on the same foot. Think about how frogs hop around in a pond.

Walking: Moving on foot at a moderate pace, taking steps. We walk to the shops, around our homes, and to visit friends.

Jumping: Pushing off the ground with both feet and landing on both feet. Like jumping over a puddle after a rain shower. Why are Locomotor Movements Important? Locomotor movements help us develop coordination, balance, and strength. They also help us improve our gross motor skills, which are important for activities like running, jumping, and throwing.

Example 1: Running: Pretend you are running away from a playful puppy! Keep your arms moving, lift your knees, and try to run as fast as you can. Remember to look where you are going to avoid bumping into anything.

Example 2: Skipping: Try skipping around your living room. Remember to hop and step on each foot, alternating each time.

Balance: Balance is the ability to maintain your body's position while standing still or moving. Why is Balance Important? Balance helps us stay upright when we are walking, running, or playing. It also helps us avoid falls and injuries.

Example 1: Standing on One Foot: Try standing on one foot for as long as you can. Count to ten. Then switch to the other foot. Imagine you're a flamingo standing in a lagoon!

Example 2: Walking on a Line: Imagine there's a straight line on the floor. Try walking along it heel-to-toe, keeping your balance. Pretend you're walking on a tightrope at the circus!

Spatial Awareness: Spatial awareness is understanding where your body is in relation to other things around you. It involves understanding the concepts of near, far, above, below, inside, and outside. Why is Spatial Awareness Important? Spatial awareness helps us avoid bumping into things, catch balls, and navigate our surroundings safely.

Example 1: Simon Says: Play "Simon Says" with instructions that involve spatial awareness. For example, "Simon Says touch your nose," "Simon Says put your hands above your head," "Simon Says put your feet outside the circle." Example 2: Obstacle Course: Create a simple obstacle course in your classroom or outside. Use cones, hoops, or even just chalk lines. Have the learners navigate the course, using terms like "go around the cone," "jump over the line," "crawl under the table." Games: Games are structured activities with rules that are designed to be fun and engaging. Why are Games Important? Games help us learn to follow rules, work together, and develop social skills. They also provide opportunities for physical activity and exercise.

Example 1: Duck, Duck, Goose: This game teaches learners to run, tag, and follow simple rules.

Example 2: Simon Says: This game helps with listening skills, and following simple instructions.

Example 3: Tag: This game teaches learners to run, dodge, and be aware of their surroundings.

Sportsmanship: Being a good sport means being fair, respectful, and gracious, whether you win or lose. It's about being a team player and showing kindness to others. In South Africa, we value "ubuntu", which emphasizes the importance of community and treating others with respect. Sportsmanship aligns with ubuntu. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name two locomotor movements you can do.

Solution: Running and hopping are two locomotor movements. Running helps me move quickly from one place to another. Hopping helps me to improve my leg strength.

Question 2: Can you balance on one foot for 5 seconds? Which foot is easier to balance on?

Solution: Try balancing on each foot for 5 seconds. Most people find one foot is easier to balance on than the other. There is no right or wrong answer, it's just about noticing how your body works.

Question 3: In a game of "Tag," how can you use spatial awareness to avoid being tagged?

Solution: You can use spatial awareness by looking around to see where the person who is "it" is, keeping a safe distance, and moving to open spaces to avoid being tagged.

Question 4: In a game, why is it important to follow the rules? Give one reason.

Solution: It is important to follow the rules because it makes the game fair for everyone involved. If someone doesn't follow the rules, it can spoil the fun for others. Independent Practice (Questions Only) Demonstrate skipping across the room. Can you skip backwards? Name three things you can do to improve your balance. Describe a time when you showed good sportsmanship in a game. Invent a new game with one locomotor movement (running, skipping, hopping, walking) and write down the rules.