Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

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 focuses on developing fundamental locomotor skills: hopping, skipping, and galloping. These movements are the building blocks for more complex physical activities like sports, dancing, and advanced games. For Grade 1 learners in South Africa, mastering these skills is crucial for their physical development, coordination, and social interaction during playtime. Whether playing amajenjenje (hopscotch) on the playground in Gauteng, chasing friends around a field in the Eastern Cape, or participating in cultural dances, these foundational movements are used every day. This lesson aims to build physical confidence, improve balance and rhythm, and encourage a love for active play in a safe and supportive environment.
• By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
• Perform a controlled hop on each leg for a short distance (e.g., 2 metres) without losing balance.
• Demonstrate a basic skipping movement, showing the step-hop pattern with alternating feet.
• Execute a galloping movement forward, leading with the same foot for at least 5 consecutive steps.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on developing fundamental locomotor skills: hopping, skipping, and galloping. These movements are the building blocks for more complex physical activities like sports, dancing, and advanced games. For Grade 1 learners in South Africa, mastering these skills is crucial for their physical development, coordination, and social interaction during playtime. Whether playing amajenjenje (hopscotch) on the playground in Gauteng, chasing friends around a field in the Eastern Cape, or participating in cultural dances, these foundational movements are used every day.

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the three core movements for the week. The teacher should demonstrate each movement clearly and use simple, relatable language.

A. Hopping: The One-Legged Jump What it is: Hopping is the action of jumping off the ground from one foot and landing on that very same foot. It requires good balance and leg strength.

Why it's important: Hopping builds strength in the leg and foot muscles and significantly improves single-leg balance, which is vital for activities like kicking a ball or quickly changing direction.

How to teach it: Start Position: Ask learners to stand up straight and pretend to be a flamingo. They must lift one foot off the ground and bend that knee.

The 'Spring': Tell them to bend the knee of the standing leg slightly, as if they are getting ready to push off the ground.

The 'Push-Off': Instruct them to push off the ground with the ball of their standing foot for a small jump.

The 'Landing': They should land softly on the ball of the same foot, bending their knee to absorb the impact. Remind them, "Land quietly like a cat!" Balance: Encourage them to use their arms out to the side like airplane wings to help them stay balanced.