Grade 1 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Physical Education – Introduction to Basic Movement Skills

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Lesson Plan Title:

Grade 1 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Physical Education – Introduction to Basic Movement Skills

Materials Needed:

  • Cones
  • Hula hoops
  • Soft foam balls
  • Whistle
  • Music player with lively music

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate basic movement skills, including running, jumping, and balancing.
2. Understand the concept of personal space and moving safely in a shared space.
3. Work cooperatively with peers during physical activities.
4. Begin to develop an awareness of the importance of physical fitness.

Vocabulary:

  1. Run – Move at a speed faster than walking.
  2. Jump – Push yourself off a surface and into the air using your legs.
  3. Balance – Keep your body steady without falling.
  4. Personal Space – The space immediately around your body that you should respect and not invade for others.
  5. Fitness – The condition of being physically fit and healthy.

Previous Learning:

Students have learned basic positions such as standing, sitting, and lying down. They have also had some free play that involved running and other gross motor activities.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Some students may have difficulty coordinating their movements.
  • Solution: Use visual demonstrations and physically guide students through movements if needed.
  • Challenge: Maintaining focus in a high-energy environment.
  • Solution: Use clear, concise instructions and a whistle to grab attention when necessary.
  • Challenge: Students may struggle with understanding personal space.
  • Solution: Use cones and hula hoops to give each child a visual boundary.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Introduction to Learning Objectives: Briefly explain what students will be doing, emphasising having fun while learning to move their bodies.
  2. Warm-up: Lead a simple warm-up with music. Include stretching arms and legs, touching toes, and light jogging on the spot.

Middle Activities (32 minutes):

  1. Activity 1 – Running and Stopping (8 minutes):
  2. Set up cones around the playing area.
  3. Explain and demonstrate how to run from one cone to another and stop when the whistle is blown.
  4. Let students practise running to different cones and stopping on the signal.
  5. Activity 2 – Jumping (8 minutes):
  6. Place hula hoops on the ground in rows.
  7. Demonstrate how to jump from one hoop to the next, both feet together.
  8. Allow students to practice jumping through the hoops.
  9. Activity 3 – Balancing (8 minutes):
  10. Use a series of balance beams or a line of tape on the floor.
  11. Show how to walk along the line, maintaining balance.
  12. Let students walk the line, offering hands for support if needed.
  13. Activity 4 – Cooperative Play with Balls (8 minutes):
  14. Pair students and give each pair a soft foam ball.
  15. Demonstrate passing the ball back and forth.
  16. Encourage students to pass the ball while maintaining their personal space.

End Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Cool Down and Stretching:
  2. Guide students through a cool-down with gentle stretches and deep breathing.
  3. Exit Ticket Activity:
  4. Ask students to demonstrate one movement skill they learned (run, jump, or balance) as a quick assessment before lining up to leave.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Observational assessment during activities; noting students’ ability to perform basic movements.
  • Exit ticket activity where students demonstrate a learned skill.
  • Verbal questioning: Ask a few students to explain what personal space means.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • Scaffolding: Provide physical support and guidance for students who struggle with movements. Use verbal prompts and demonstrations frequently.
  • Extension: For advanced learners, introduce variations such as hopping on one foot or balancing with eyes closed.
  • Inclusion: Ensure activities are accessible; provide adapted equipment for students with physical disabilities if needed.

Teaching Notes:

  • Emphasise the importance of safety and respecting personal space throughout all activities.
  • Foster a positive environment by praising effort and improvement.
  • Incorporate elements of play to keep younger children engaged and motivated.

Accessibility Considerations:

  • Ensure all students, including those with disabilities, can participate in the activities. Adjust the tasks or provide alternative exercises if necessary.
  • Check that the physical space is safe and free from hazards.