The following report outlines the strategies implemented and significant factors considered in developing an effective physical education program for the first grade class at Hills Academy*. Hills Academy is a small co-educational school catering for K-5 in a unique wetland environment. It provides a learning environment, which boosts a love of the outdoors. Children love to play and be active. This program has been designed to encourage these first graders to develop an interest in living a healthy and active lifestyle. With exposure and opportunity to practice and extend on their skill base, children will become more confident and efficient in their movements. Hills Academy first grade class has a higher boy to girl ratio (3:2), which may
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Fundamental Movement Skills are movement patterns that involve different body parts such as the legs, arms, trunk and head, and include such skills as running, hopping, catching, throwing, striking and balancing” (Department of Education WA, 2013, p.15). They provide the foundation for physical literacy, which makes reference to moving with confidence and reading the physical environment (Mandigo, Francis & Lodewyk, 2007). The Department of Education Victoria (1998) supports that in developing an effective physical education program educators “must teach students to achieve mastery of fundamental motor skills” (p.7). This is critical to establishing the foundation for participation in other sports and physical activities. This obstacle course will focus on children maintaining, “control of the body as it moves in space” (SNZ, 2013, p.127). This skill is referred to as Dynamic Balance. The learning cues throughout this obstacle course require children to keep their heads up and arms extended to help with counterbalance. The ability to maintain balance while remaining in the same position is referred to by Kearns as static balance. Children will also have the opportunity to refine this skill in the form of a gymnastic ball challenge at the end of the obstacle course (Kearns, 2010, p.
Fundamental Movement Skills are movement patterns that involve different body parts such as the legs, arms, trunk and head, and include such skills as running, hopping, catching, throwing, striking and balancing” (Department of Education WA, 2013, p.15). They provide the foundation for physical literacy, which makes reference to moving with confidence and reading the physical environment (Mandigo, Francis & Lodewyk, 2007). The Department of Education Victoria (1998) supports that in developing an effective physical education program educators “must teach students to achieve mastery of fundamental motor skills” (p.7). This is critical to establishing the foundation for participation in other sports and physical activities. This obstacle course will focus on children maintaining, “control of the body as it moves in space” (SNZ, 2013, p.127). This skill is referred to as Dynamic Balance. The learning cues throughout this obstacle course require children to keep their heads up and arms extended to help with counterbalance. The ability to maintain balance while remaining in the same position is referred to by Kearns as static balance. Children will also have the opportunity to refine this skill in the form of a gymnastic ball challenge at the end of the obstacle course (Kearns, 2010, p.