Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Demonstrate dynamic balance by hopping on one leg for a distance of 3 metres without losing balance.
• Perform a basic skipping movement with a rope, coordinating hand and foot movements for at least three consecutive jumps.
• Demonstrate hand-eye coordination by throwing a beanbag or soft ball towards a large target (e.g., a hula hoop) from 3 metres away.
• Catch a large, soft ball thrown from a short distance using two hands.
• Follow and repeat a simple rhythmic pattern involving two or three movements (e.g., clap, stomp, jump).

Lesson summary

Overview This week, we are transforming into 'Movement Masters'! We will focus on improving our balance, coordination, and rhythm. These are not just skills for the playground; they are essential for everything we do. In South Africa, think about the games we love to play, like kgati (skipping) with our friends, playing soccer in the park, or dancing to our favourite music. All these activities require our bodies to be balanced and coordinated. By mastering skills like hopping, skipping, and throwing, we become better at sports, we can play more safely without falling, and we build strong, healthy bodies that will help us learn better in the classroom too.

Lesson notes

This section explains the 'superpowers' we are learning this week: Balance, Coordination, and Rhythm.

Concept 1: Balance - Your Body's Anchor What is it? Balance is the skill of keeping your body steady and controlled, so you don't fall over. Imagine you are a tree. Your feet are the roots holding you firmly to the ground. Good balance means your 'roots' are strong, whether you are standing still or moving.

Static Balance: This is balancing when you are NOT moving.

Example: Standing on one leg like a flamingo.

Dynamic Balance: This is balancing while you ARE moving. This is our focus today!

Example: Hopping across the playground or walking on a narrow line.

How to improve it (using Hopping): Choose your 'Strong Foot': Stand on the leg that feels the most comfortable and steady.

Find your Focus Point: Look at something in front of you that isn't moving. This helps your brain keep your body steady.

Use your 'Aeroplane Arms': Stretch your arms out to the side. This helps you adjust and stay balanced, just like an aeroplane's wings.

Bend and Push: Slightly bend the knee of your standing leg and push off the ground to hop. Land softly on the same foot, bending your knee to absorb the landing. This protects your body.

Concept 2: Coordination - Your Body's Teamwork What is it? Coordination is about making different parts of your body work together smoothly as a team. For throwing and catching, this is called hand-eye coordination. Your eyes see the ball, tell your brain where it's going, and your brain tells your hands and feet how to move to catch it. How to improve it (using Throwing and Catching): Throwing (for accuracy): Step 1: Side On: Stand with your side facing the target. If you throw with your right hand, your left shoulder should point to the target.

Step 2: Make a 'T': Point your non-throwing arm at the target and bring your throwing arm back.

Step 3: Step and Throw: Step forward with your opposite foot (if you're right-handed, step with your left foot) as you throw the beanbag or ball. Let your arm follow through, pointing towards the target after you release.

Catching: Step 1: Ready Hands: Make a 'basket' or 'diamond' shape with your hands, ready for the ball.

Step 2: Eyes on the Ball: Watch the ball from the moment it leaves the thrower's hands until it is in your own hands. Don't look away!

Step 3: Soft Hands: As the ball touches your hands, pull your arms in slightly towards your body. This is called 'cushioning' the catch and stops the ball from bouncing out.

Concept 3: Rhythm - Your Body's Beat What is it? Rhythm is a repeated pattern of movement or sound. When we skip, there is a rhythm: swing-jump, swing-jump. When we dance, we move to the rhythm of the music. Learning rhythm helps our movements become smooth and automatic.

How to feel it (using Skipping): Without a rope: Practice the skipping movement first. It's a 'step-hop'. Step on your right foot, then do a little hop on it. Step on your left foot, then a little hop.

Say it out loud: "Step-hop, step-hop".

With a rope: Hold the rope handles. Start with the rope behind your feet. Swing the rope over your head. As it comes down in front of you, JUMP! The rhythm is "swing-JUMP, swing-JUMP". Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Activity 1: The Flamingo Challenge Question: Everyone, please stand on your right leg. Lift your left knee up. Now, try to hold that position while I slowly count to

5. Now, switch to your left leg and we will count to 5 again. Did you wobble? Solution &

Commentary: The teacher observes the learners. "Excellent work! I can see many of you using your 'aeroplane arms' to help you balance. If you wobbled, that is perfectly fine! It just means your body is learning. Try focusing on a spot on the wall next time; it really helps! This is practicing static balance." Activity 2: Beanbag Target Toss Question: We will place a hoop on the ground 4 big steps away. Each of you will get a beanbag. I want you to try and throw the beanbag so it lands inside the hoop.

Remember our throwing steps: Side on, 'T' shape, step, and throw. Solution &

Commentary: The teacher watches each learner's technique, not just the result. "Great throws! Remember, the most important part is how you move your body. I saw Sandile stepping with the correct opposite foot – well done! Naledi, try pointing your other arm at the target like you're aiming. Even if you miss, using the right technique means you are learning correctly." Activity 3: The Copy Cat Rhythm Question: Watch me and copy my pattern.

The pattern is: Stomp right foot, Stomp left foot, Clap hands twice. (Teacher demonstrates: Stomp... Stomp... Clap-Clap). Now, let's all do it together slowly. Solution &

Commentary: The teacher leads the class in the rhythm. "Fantastic! You are all listening to the pattern and making your bodies follow. You are creating a rhythm! Let's try it a little faster.