Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 2

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

• Hop on one foot without losing balance.
• Play a chasing game and follow the rules.
• Throw and catch a large, soft ball.
• Follow simple movement instructions.
• Show good sportsmanship and take turns.

Lesson summary

Overview This week, we dive into the exciting world of Physical Education, focusing on games and fundamental movement patterns. For Grade 2 learners, playing is not just fun; it is how they learn about their bodies, about working with others, and about the world around them. In South Africa, we have a rich culture of playing games outside with our friends and family, from kgati (skipping) in the schoolyard to playing soccer in the park. This lesson helps learners develop essential physical skills like hopping, throwing, and catching. These are the building blocks for more complex sports and activities later in life.

Lesson notes

This section explains the core movements and ideas we will be practicing. It's our 'textbook' for becoming amazing movers!

Concept 1: Locomotor Skills - Hopping Locomotor skills are movements that take you from one place to another. Hopping is a special kind of locomotor skill. What is Hopping? Hopping is when you spring up from one foot and land back on that same foot. It's different from jumping, where you use two feet to take off and land. Why is it important? Hopping builds strong leg muscles and helps with balance and coordination. Think about playing a game of umlabalaba (hopscotch) – you need to be a great hopper!

How to Hop (Step-by-Step): Start Position: Stand up straight and lift one foot off the ground. Bend the knee of the leg you are standing on a little bit.

Use Your Arms: Hold your arms out to the side to help you balance, like a bird's wings.

Push Off: Push down hard with the foot on the ground to spring up into the air.

Land Softly: Land on the same foot, bending your knee to absorb the shock. Try not to make a loud thump sound.

Example: Imagine you are a flamingo standing on one leg. Now, you need to hop over a small puddle. You would push off your one leg, fly over the puddle, and land on that same leg. That's a hop!

Concept 2: Manipulative Skills - Throwing and Catching Manipulative skills are movements where you control an object, like a ball or a beanbag. Underhand Throw (for big, soft balls): Why? This is the easiest and safest way for young learners to throw a ball accurately over a short distance.

How to do it: Ready: Stand facing your partner. Hold the ball with both hands in front of your stomach.

Aim: Look where you want the ball to go (at your partner's hands).

Step and Swing: Take one step forward. As you step, swing your arms forward and gently push the ball towards your partner.

Follow Through: Let your arms continue to swing up a little after you let go of the ball. Catching (a big, soft ball): Why? Catching develops hand-eye coordination – making your eyes and hands work together as a team.

How to do it: Ready Position: Stand with your knees slightly bent and watch the ball.

Make a Basket: Hold your hands out in front of you, with your palms up and your pinkie fingers close together. Your hands and arms should make a 'basket' shape for the ball to land in.

Catch it Softly: As the ball touches your hands, pull it in towards your body. This is called 'absorbing the force' and stops the ball from bouncing out.

Concept 3: Game Play and Sportsmanship Games are only fun when everyone plays fairly and respectfully.

Rules: Rules are instructions that tell us how to play the game. They keep us safe and make sure the game is fair. For example, in a game of Tag, a rule might be 'gentle touches only' or 'stay inside the lines'.

Boundaries: A boundary is a line (made with chalk or cones) that marks the play area. Staying inside the boundary is an important rule in many games.

Taking Turns: This is a key part of fairness. It means everyone gets a chance to play each part of the game.

Good Sportsmanship: This is the most important idea!

Being a 'good sport' means: You try your best. You cheer for your friends, even if they are on the other team. You say "Good game!" when the game is over, whether you win or lose. You don't get angry or upset if you make a mistake. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Activity 1: Hopping Train Instruction: "We are going to make a hopping train! Follow me. We will hop on our right foot all the way to the blue cone. When we get there, we will switch and hop on our left foot back. Remember to land softly!" Worked Solution &

Commentary: The teacher leads the line, demonstrating the correct hopping technique. The 'solution' is the successful completion of the activity. The teacher provides verbal feedback during the activity: "That's it, Sipho, use your arms for balance! Ayanda, try to look up, not at your feet. Excellent soft landings, everyone!" Activity 2: Partner Ball Pass Instruction: "Find a partner and stand on opposite lines. I want you to pass the large ball to your partner using the underhand throw we learned. Your partner must try to catch it with 'soft hands', making a basket. Let's try to make five successful catches in a row." Worked Solution &

Commentary: The teacher first demonstrates a correct throw and catch with a learner. The solution is the learners practicing and improving their technique.

The teacher circulates and assists: "Remember to step forward when you throw, Lethabo. Lindiwe, get your hands ready to make a basket before the ball arrives. Great teamwork, you two!" Activity 3: 'Follow the Leader' Movements Instruction: "Let's play 'Follow the Leader'. I will do a pattern of two movements, and you must copy me exactly. Ready?

First pattern: hop twice, clap once. Okay, your turn!