Prep – Grade Two

The early childhood children started the term working on their manipulative skills, starting with bean bags and then moving onto large balls. The skills of throwing and catching, dribbling, working co-operatively with a partner and in small groups and then challenging these skills within a game situation.

The children then participated in a week of water awareness lessons. In addition to progressing the children on with their swimming skills, it is also a perfect opportunity for those social skills of following instructions, keeping track of their belongings and the independence required to change before and after lessons. This was a very rewarding experience for the children, when one little fella did his first star float his comment of “I can float” was music to the ears and another, once he accomplished his first star float wanted to know “now teach me to move my legs and arms”.

As part of their water safety, we discussed that as children, they should always have adult supervision in and around water and if uncomfortable in water, floating and waving to gain attention was the safest option. The children then practiced in the water, receiving an object that floats and using that for support. They also experienced being towed to the side with the weighted ropes.

Grades Three & Four

The middle primary grades also worked on their large ball skills, bounce, chest, shoulder passes and dribbling being the main focus. Once working in partner, group or team activities and in a competitive situation, aiming to refine their delivery.

Grades Five & Six

The upper primary children explored the sport of Speedball. This is a combination of soccer and handball. Players can choose to play aerial balls or drop the ball to the ground and play soccer rules. In the game situation, if the ball is thrown and bounces on the ground they have the option to continue as soccer or using their feet, lift the ball back up to their hands or a team mates hands. A game that certainly challenged their strategies to achieve success.