Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

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

• In Grade R Life Skills, we explore how our bodies move and play. This week, we're focusing on developing fundamental movement skills through games and play. Learning to move our bodies in different ways is important for our health, coordination, and confidence. It also helps us make friends and have fun while learning important social skills like taking turns and working as a team. In South Africa, many children enjoy playing outside with limited resources, so these activities will emphasize creative use of space and minimal equipment. This helps foster resourcefulness and ingenuity. Focusing on diverse movements also acknowledges the different physical abilities within the class.
• Learning Objectives:
• By the end of this week, learners will be able to:
• LO1: Demonstrate at least three different ways to move their bodies (e.g., hopping, skipping, crawling) with reasonable coordination and control. (CAPS: Development of gross motor skills)
• LO2: Participate actively and cooperatively in group games, following simple instructions and taking turns. (CAPS: Social and emotional development)

Lesson summary

In Grade R Life Skills, we explore how our bodies move and play. This week, we're focusing on developing fundamental movement skills through games and play. Learning to move our bodies in different ways is important for our health, coordination, and confidence. It also helps us make friends and have fun while learning important social skills like taking turns and working as a team. In South Africa, many children enjoy playing outside with limited resources, so these activities will emphasize creative use of space and minimal equipment. This helps foster resourcefulness and ingenuity. Focusing on diverse movements also acknowledges the different physical abilities within the class.

Lesson notes

This week's focus is on three main concepts: Movement, Games, and Play.

Movement: This refers to how we use our bodies to get from one place to another or to perform an action. Different movements use different muscles and develop different skills.

Locomotor Movements: These are movements that move us from one place to another.

Examples include: Walking: Putting one foot in front of the other in a controlled manner. Imagine walking to the tuck shop for a juice!

Running: A faster version of walking, where both feet may be off the ground momentarily. Think about running to greet a friend!

Hopping: Jumping on one foot, repeatedly. Try hopping like a bunny!

Skipping: A combination of a hop and a step.

Jumping: Pushing off the ground with both feet.

Crawling: Moving on hands and knees. Pretend you are crawling through a tunnel.

Non-locomotor Movements: These are movements that we do in one place.

Examples include: Bending: Folding your body at the waist or knees.

Stretching: Reaching out as far as you can.

Twisting: Rotating your body.

Swaying: Moving gently from side to side.

Balancing: Holding a position without falling.

Games: These are structured activities with rules and often a goal. Games help us learn to follow instructions, take turns, and cooperate with others. Examples include tag, Simon Says, and simple obstacle courses.

Importance of Rules: Rules help us understand the boundaries of the game and ensure fair play. For example, in "Red Light, Green Light", the rule is that you can only move when the leader says "Green Light." Taking Turns: Allows everyone to participate and feel valued. It also teaches patience and fairness.

Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve a common goal.

Play: Play is a free and unstructured activity that allows us to explore, imagine, and have fun. Play is essential for developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and social skills.

Types of Play: Free Play: Children choose what they want to do and how they want to do it.

Creative Play: Using imagination to create something new, like building a fort with blankets.

Social Play: Playing with others, interacting, and sharing.

Worked example

Movement

Example: The teacher asks the class to walk to the circle time carpet. Then, she asks them to run back to their desks. Finally, she asks them to hop three times. This reinforces different locomotor movements.

Game

Example: The teacher plays "Simon Says" with the class, emphasizing the importance of listening carefully to the instructions. If Simon doesn't say "Simon Says," the children shouldn't do the action. This reinforces listening skills and self-control.

Play

Example: The teacher provides building blocks and encourages the children to build whatever they want. This promotes creativity and problem-solving skills.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Can you show me how you would move if you were a snake?

Solution: Learners should crawl on their bellies, wiggling their bodies from side to side.

Commentary: This encourages creative movement and uses imagination. This focuses on locomotor skills – specifically crawling.

Question 2: Let's play "Follow the Leader". The leader will do a movement, and everyone else must copy it. What are some movements we could do?

Solution: Possible movements include: Jumping, hopping, touching toes, waving arms, swaying side to side.

Commentary: This activity reinforces locomotor and non-locomotor skills. It also encourages observation and imitation.

Question 3: We're going to create an obstacle course! You need to go under the table, around the cone, and over the cushion. Show me how you would do it safely.

Solution: The learner demonstrates crawling under the table, walking around the cone, and stepping over the cushion.

Commentary: This reinforces spatial awareness and coordination. It also teaches safe movement practices.