Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1
Physical education: skills and fitness (Grade 1) – Week 3 focus
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Physical education: skills and fitness (Grade 1) – Week 3 focus
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Life Skills
Class: Grade 1
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Theme: General lesson support
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.
This lesson introduces Grade 1 learners to the fundamental concepts of spatial awareness, body control, and safe movement within their environment. In South Africa, children often play outdoors in varied spaces—from school playgrounds and community parks to their own yards. Understanding how to navigate these spaces safely is a critical life skill. This topic moves beyond simple running and jumping; it teaches learners to be conscious of their bodies in relation to objects and other people.
This section explains the core ideas learners need to understand for this week's focus. We use simple language and examples they can relate to.
Concept 1: Personal Space - Your Safety Bubble What it is: Personal space is the invisible bubble all around your body. It’s your own special area that helps keep you safe and comfortable. Think about the big Hadeda bird stretching its wings – it needs space so its wings don't hit anything. We also need space so we don't bump into our friends or furniture.
Why it matters: When we stand in a line for the tuck shop or sit on the mat for a story, we give our friends their own bubble of space. This is respectful and safe. If someone comes too close into your bubble, it can feel uncomfortable. In games, knowing about personal space stops us from tripping over each other.
Example: When teacher says, "Find your own space," you should be able to stretch your arms out like an aeroplane and turn in a circle without touching anyone else. That is your perfect personal space bubble!
Concept 2: Directions - Which Way to Go? Our bodies can move in many different ways. Knowing the words for these directions helps us follow instructions in games and in class.
Forwards and Backwards: This is the most common way we move.
Forwards: Walking towards something you are facing. (e.g., Walking forwards to greet your teacher).
Backwards: Walking away from something without turning around. We must do this carefully! (e.g., Taking three steps backwards from the line).
Sideways: Moving to the left or right without turning your body. Think of a crab walking on the sand at the beach in Durban!
Example: When you are sitting close together on a bench and need to make space, you shuffle sideways.
Concept 3: Pathways - The Route You Take A pathway is the line you make on the floor when you are moving from one place to another. It can be straight or wiggly!
Straight Pathway: This is the fastest way to get from Point A to Point
B. Imagine a taxi driving on a straight road.
Example: Running a race from the start line straight to the finish line.
Zigzag Pathway: This is a path that changes direction from side to side. Think of a snake slithering through the grass.
Example: Weaving between plastic bottles or school bags without knocking them over.
Curved Pathway: This is a path that is rounded, like a part of a circle. Think of the shape of a rainbow or the path you run around a tree in a game of tag.
Example: Running in a circle with your friends.
Concept 4: Spatial Words - Where are You? These words tell us the position of something. They are very important for understanding the world.
Over / Under: Over: Going above something without touching it. (e.g., Jumping over a puddle of water).
Under: Going below something. (e.g., Crawling under a table to get a ball).
In Front Of / Behind: In Front Of: Being ahead of something. (e.g., The line leader stands in front of everyone else).
Behind: Being at the back of something. (e.g., Hiding behind a big tree so no one can see you).
Next To / Beside: Next To: Being right at the side of something. (e.g., In class, your desk is next to your friend's desk).
Left / Right: Why it's tricky: This can be hard! A fun trick is to hold up both your hands with your thumbs out. The hand that makes a perfect 'L' shape is your Left hand.
Example: "Please pick up the crayon with your right hand." Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Activity 1: The Traffic Officer Game Question/Instruction: The teacher acts as a traffic officer and gives commands. "Walk forwards three steps! Now, take two big steps sideways to your left. Good. Now, carefully take four small steps backwards. Stop! Put the beanbag on top of your head." Worked Solution &
Commentary: The teacher first demonstrates each action clearly. For "sideways to your left," the teacher might say, "To the side where the window is," to provide a landmark. The teacher then watches as learners follow the instructions. If a learner moves right instead of left, the teacher gently guides them, perhaps using the 'L' hand trick.
The commentary would be: "This activity helps us listen carefully and tell our bodies exactly what to do. By following the traffic officer, we are practicing moving safely in different directions." Activity 2: The Animal Obstacle Course Question/Instruction: Set up a simple course with classroom objects. "First, crawl like a baby under the chair. Then, walk in a zigzag like a snake between the shoes. Next, jump like a frog over the book. Finally, stand behind the big red bucket." Worked Solution &
Commentary: The teacher leads the first group of learners through the course, narrating each action. "Look, Sipho is crawling under the chair. Well done! Now, Lethabo is weaving between the shoes in a zigzag. Excellent!" The commentary for this activity is: "This is a wonderful way to learn our spatial words.