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

• Know what fitness, balance, and coordination are.
• Try activities to improve these skills.
• Understand why being active is important.

Lesson summary

Physical education is all about taking care of our bodies and learning how to move in fun and healthy ways. In Grade 2, we’ll be focusing on three very important things: fitness, balance, and coordination. These skills help us in so many ways, from playing sports like soccer and netball, to simply running and playing with our friends in the veld (field). Being fit means our bodies are strong and have lots of energy. Balance helps us stay steady so we don't fall when we're playing games or walking. Coordination helps us move our bodies smoothly and work together, like when we throw a ball or skip rope. Learning about these things will help us become healthier and more confident children!

Lesson notes

Fitness: Fitness means that our bodies are strong, healthy, and able to do the things we want to do. It's like having a full tank of petrol in a car – we have the energy to go where we want to go!

Fitness is made up of things like: Strength: How much our muscles can lift or pull. We use strength when we carry our school bags or climb the jungle gym.

Stamina (Endurance): How long we can keep moving before getting tired. This helps us run and play games for longer.

Flexibility: How easily our bodies can bend and stretch. Flexibility helps us reach for things and move without getting hurt.

Examples for South African Learners: Imagine you're playing soccer with your friends in the township. You need strength to kick the ball hard, stamina to run up and down the field, and flexibility to bend down and pick up the ball. Think about helping your gogo (grandmother) carry groceries. Strength is important to lift the bags, and stamina helps you walk all the way home.

Balance: Balance is the ability to stay steady and not fall over. It's like being a tightrope walker – you need to keep your weight in the right place!

Examples for South African Learners: Think about walking home from school along a bumpy dirt road. You need balance to stay on your feet! Imagine you're playing diketo (a traditional South African game). You need good balance to pick up the stones without falling over.

Coordination: Coordination is the ability to move different parts of your body together smoothly and efficiently. It's like conducting an orchestra – all the instruments need to play together in harmony!

Coordination involves: Hand-eye coordination: Being able to use our hands and eyes together, like when we catch a ball or write in our notebooks.

Body coordination: Being able to move our arms and legs together, like when we skip rope or dance to Kwaito music.

Examples for South African Learners: Think about playing netball. You need hand-eye coordination to catch the ball and body coordination to run and jump. Imagine you're dancing to your favourite song. You need coordination to move your arms, legs, and head in time with the music. Why are they important? Fitness, balance, and coordination are important for many reasons.

They help us: Stay healthy and avoid getting sick. Have more energy to play and learn. Do well in sports and other activities. Feel confident and happy about ourselves. Avoid accidents and injuries. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name two activities you like to do that help you become fit.

Solution: Running and playing tag. Running helps build stamina, and playing tag involves a lot of running and jumping, which strengthens your legs and helps build stamina.

Commentary: This question encourages learners to think about activities they already enjoy and how they contribute to their fitness.

Question 2: Try standing on one leg. Can you balance for 5 seconds? Now, try standing on the other leg. Which leg is easier to balance on?

Solution: This is an activity, not a calculation, so the "solution" is that the learner should attempt the action. There's no "correct" answer, but observe their attempts.

Commentary: This allows learners to practice balance and recognize that they may have a stronger leg. Remind them it's okay if they wobble!

Question 3: Can you throw a ball in the air and catch it? How many times can you do it without dropping the ball?

Solution: Again, this is activity based. The learner should attempt throwing and catching a ball multiple times. The number of successful catches may vary.

Commentary: This question focuses on hand-eye coordination. Encourage persistence and celebrate even small successes.

Question 4: Imagine you are carrying a heavy bucket of water. What parts of your body need to be strong? What part helps you keep your balance?

Solution: Your arms and back need to be strong to carry the heavy bucket. Your legs and core (stomach muscles) help you keep your balance.

Commentary: This integrates the concepts of strength and balance and relates them to a common experience in many South African communities. Independent Practice (Questions Only) What is your favourite activity that involves running? Explain why you like it. Try walking along a line on the ground. How can you keep your balance? Can you skip rope? How many skips can you do in a row? List three things you can do to improve your fitness at home. Why is it important to be able to balance when you are playing games like soccer or netball? Think of a traditional South African game that requires good coordination. Describe how coordination is used in that game. How does being fit help you at school? What happens to your body when you exercise (e.g., running or playing)? Do you get hotter or colder? Does your heart beat faster or slower? Draw a picture of yourself doing your favourite fitness activity.