Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 2
Physical education: games and movement patterns – Week 8 focus
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Physical education: games and movement patterns – Week 8 focus
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Life Skills
Class: Grade 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
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.
Overview: This lesson focuses on developing fundamental movement skills through fun and engaging games. In South Africa, playing is a core part of growing up. Whether it's a game of 'bhakshana' (tag) in the schoolyard, kicking a soccer ball in the park, or playing 'umgusha' (hopscotch) on the pavement, we are always moving. This lesson helps learners refine these natural movements, making them more controlled, coordinated, and confident.
This section explains the 'building blocks' of all our movements and games.
A. Locomotor Movements: Moving from Place to Place These are movements that take your body from one spot to another. Think of them as your 'travel' skills!
Running: Moving fast on your feet where, for a moment, both feet are off the ground.
How to do it: Lift your knees high, pump your arms forwards and backwards (not across your body), and look where you are going.
Hopping: Taking off and landing on the same foot. It's like a little spring.
How to do it: Bend one knee and push off the ground with your other foot. Try to land softly. See if you can hop on your right foot, then your left!
Skipping: This is a combination of a step and a hop (step-hop, step-hop). It's a bouncy, fun way to travel.
How to do it: Step forward with one foot, then do a little hop on that same foot. Then, step forward with the other foot and do a little hop on that one.
It has a rhythm: 'step-hop, step-hop'.
Galloping: Moving forward with one foot always in the lead, like a horse.
How to do it: Step forward with one foot, and then quickly bring the back foot up to meet it. The same foot always stays in front.
B. Manipulative Skills: Controlling an Object These are skills where you use your hands or feet to move or control an object, like a ball, beanbag, or hoop.
Throwing (Underhand): This is a safe and useful throw for short distances.
Step 1 (Ready): Stand sideways to your target. Hold the ball in your throwing hand.
Step 2 (Aim): Point your other hand (your 'aiming' hand) at your target.
Step 3 (Swing): Swing your throwing arm back like a pendulum on a clock.
Step 4 (Throw): Step forward with the foot opposite your throwing hand and swing your arm forward, releasing the ball when it's in front of you.
Catching (Two Hands): This is the safest way to catch a large ball.
Step 1 (Watch): Keep your eyes on the ball from the moment it leaves the thrower's hands.
Step 2 (Ready Hands): Make a 'basket' or 'bowl' with your hands, with your pinkie fingers close together.
Step 3 (Catch): Let the ball come into your hands. As it touches, pull your arms in towards your body to 'cushion' the catch. This is like catching a precious egg – you want to be soft!
C. Rules and Teamwork Why we have rules: Rules make games fair for everyone. They tell us what we can and cannot do. If everyone follows the rules, the game is more fun and nobody gets hurt or feels left out.
Being a good sport: This means you play fair, you try your best, and you are kind to everyone, whether you win or lose. Saying "Good game!" or "Nice try!" to your friends shows you are a good sport.
D. Personal Space What it is: Imagine you are standing inside a big, invisible bubble or a hula hoop. That is your personal space. It's the space you need around you to move freely without touching anyone else.
Why it's important: When we are running and playing, keeping in our own personal space helps prevent us from bumping into each other and getting hurt. It helps us all play safely. Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Activity 1: The Movement River Task: The teacher creates an imaginary 'river' on the floor using two ropes or chalk lines. The teacher calls out a way to cross the river. Learners line up and cross one by one using that movement.
For example: "You must cross the river by skipping!" or "Now, cross the river by hopping on your left foot." Solution &
Commentary: The 'solution' is the correct execution of the movement. The teacher observes each learner, offering praise and simple verbal cues.
Commentary: "Well done, Thabo, you are lifting your knees high when you skip!" or "Nomsa, remember to land softly when you hop, like a cat." This activity isolates one locomotor skill at a time, making it easy for learners to practice and for the teacher to assess.
Activity 2: Partner Pass Task: In pairs, learners stand two big steps apart facing each other. Using a soft, large ball or a beanbag, they practice throwing underhand to their partner. The goal is to make five successful catches in a row. Solution &
Commentary: A successful catch is the solution.
Commentary: The teacher walks around and reminds learners of the key steps. "Remember to step with your opposite foot, Jabu!" and "Amahle, watch the ball all the way into your hands. Make a big basket for it!" This drill focuses directly on the manipulative skills of throwing and catching, building hand-eye coordination.
Activity 3: The Freeze Dance Game Task: Play some lively South African music. Learners move around the space freely using any movement they like (running, dancing, skipping). When the music stops, they must freeze immediately in a balanced shape.
The teacher can add a challenge: "Freeze and balance on one foot!" or "Freeze in a small, round shape." Solution &
Commentary: The solution is for learners to freeze instantly and hold their balance.
Commentary: This game is excellent for practicing body control, listening skills, and balance.