Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify and perform fitness activities like running, jumping, and throwing.
• Understand why we warm up and cool down.
• Practice to improve our fitness skills.
• Learn why being active is good for our health.

Lesson summary

This week, we’re diving into the exciting world of physical fitness! Being physically fit isn't just about being able to run fast; it's about having the energy to play with your friends, help your family, and do all the things you love. In South Africa, staying healthy and active is super important because it helps us grow strong, focus in school, and feel good about ourselves. Regular exercise also helps protect us from getting sick. We’ll be learning about different fitness activities, like running, jumping, and throwing, and how to improve our skills in these areas.

Lesson notes

This week, we're focusing on developing fundamental fitness skills.

Here's a breakdown of what we'll cover: What is Fitness? Fitness means being healthy and strong enough to do everyday activities without getting too tired. It's about having energy to play, learn, and help others.

Types of Fitness Activities: Running: Running is a great way to improve our cardiovascular fitness (how well our heart and lungs work). It also helps build strong legs. We can practice running short distances, like sprinting, or longer distances for endurance. Running games like tag or races around the playground are fun ways to get in shape.

Jumping: Jumping helps build strong leg muscles and improves coordination. We can practice different types of jumps, like jumping jacks, hopping on one foot, or jumping over small obstacles. Traditional games like "rope skipping" (or "three sticks" involving rhythmic jumping sequences) are also great forms of jumping exercise.

Throwing: Throwing involves using our arms and upper body to propel an object, like a ball, through the air. Practicing throwing helps improve our coordination and arm strength. We can practice throwing different types of balls, like tennis balls or soccer balls. Games like catch or cricket batting and bowling are fantastic for practicing throwing.

Warming Up: Warming up is like preparing your body for exercise. It involves doing light exercises, like stretching or jogging slowly, to get your muscles ready. Warming up helps prevent injuries. Imagine stretching a rubber band before you pull it hard – it's less likely to snap!

Cooling Down: Cooling down is like letting your body relax after exercise. It involves doing light exercises, like stretching, to help your muscles recover. Cooling down helps prevent muscle soreness. It allows your heart rate to slowly return to normal. Why is Fitness Important?

Being fit helps us: Stay healthy and strong. Have more energy. Focus better in school. Feel good about ourselves. Play games and have fun with our friends.

Worked example

Running

Example: Imagine you are racing your friend, Thando, to the mango tree. You both start at the same time. You run as fast as you can!

Why this is a good exercise: Running builds strong legs and helps your heart work better.

How to improve: Practice running short distances and try to beat your best time each time.

Jumping

Example: You are playing rope skipping during break time. You try to jump as high as you can each time the rope swings around.

Why this is a good exercise: Jumping builds strong leg muscles and improves coordination.

How to improve: Practice jumping higher and for longer periods without stopping.

Throwing

Example: You are playing cricket with your friends. You try to throw the ball as far as you can to reach the wicket.

Why this is a good exercise: Throwing improves arm strength and coordination.

How to improve: Practice throwing different types of balls and try to throw them further each time. Also, practice throwing accurately at a target.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sipho is about to run a race. What should he do before he starts running, and why is it important?

Solution: Sipho should warm up before he starts running. This means doing light exercises like stretching his arms and legs, jogging slowly, and doing some jumping jacks. Warming up is important because it helps prepare his muscles for the race, making them less likely to get injured. It is like gently warming up a car engine before driving fast.

Question 2: Maria played netball with her friends for a long time. What should she do after playing, and why is it important?