The document discusses Game Sense, a teaching approach developed in 1982 as an alternative to repetitive drills in physical education (PE). Game Sense focuses on developing skills within game environments rather than isolated techniques. It aims to keep students motivated by making PE more player-centered and encouraging decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. The author explains that Game Sense lessons will help students develop fundamental movement skills while having fun and fostering relationships.

1. Game Sense
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

2. Do you remember doing PE at school?
To develop one of the twelve fundamental movement skills, such as
catching, kicking, hopping and skipping your teacher made you do drills .
You were probably put into pairs,and made to
throw a ball at each other like this.
Do you remember relay races , and how boring
it was having to wait your turn to run with
the batton?
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

3. These PE activities got you moving, but two important
components were missing -
Game Sense
and…
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

4. But what is Game Sense, and why was it developed?
Game Sense is a teaching approach that enables the development of skills within a
game environment rather than focusing on developing isolated techniques.T his new
way of teaching was developed by David Brunker and Rob Thorpe in 1982 who realized
that good technique did not necessarily equate to good games players (Light, 2013).
It was also observed that students lacked motivation when asked to do repetitive
movements leading to the creation of Game Sense which is a learner centered
approach to teaching sport and PE (Light,2013).
Davies (2010) explains that “Player-centered experiences are activities which are player
driven, enable player empowerment in the decision-making process, foster player
ownership of the learning, are inclusive, promote player creativity and experimentation,
and are matched to the players' needs and abilities”
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

5. Using space and equipment appropriate to the learner’s stage of development is also a
consideration for teachers using Game Sense as a
teaching method.
The Game Sense strengths as a teaching pedagogy are as
follows;
• Maximum Participation: This helps with maintaining your child’s interest as there is no
waiting for their turn. Games are developed with your child’s participation in mind
• Problem Solving and Decision making: Student feedback is encouraged and games are
tailored to suit the child’s level of development and autonomy.
• Stimulating players to reach their potential: A game’s rules can be modified and
student initiative encouraged.
• Fosters integrity and fair play: The game environment requires students to play by the
rules and encourages positive social interaction.
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

6. What will Game Sense do?
Develop your
child’s
fundamental
movement skills
(FMS)
Challenge and
prepare your
child mentally
Lets them have fun
while they are learning
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

7. I will be using the Game Sense pedagogy to achieve outcomes that are in line
with the NSW Board of Studies Personal Development, Health and Physical
Outcomes for Year 1
Using Game Sense will help your child foster
positive relationships with others. They will learn to
listen and respond to others in a positive and
encouraging way.
Education K-6 Syllabus (2007).
Problem Solving is a pivotal part of participating in a
game environment. I will encourage your child to
suggest solutions to problems.
Purple
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

8. We’ll play games such as Bean Bags and Bunnie, Larkins (2008) which uses Game Sense
pedagogy. Your child will master repetitive movements to form a sequence, such as
hopping, running and jumping.
Using imagery during warm-ups and games, your child’s individual creativity is encouraged.
Slither like a snake
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

9. Game Sense is not only fun, it enhances your child’s development and sense of wellbeing.
Year one is a special time for your child as they are beginning to form their own identities.
Participating in physical activities at a young age and having positive Physical Education
experiences at school will encourage your child to lead a healthy lifestyle well into adulthood.
Game sense will help your child to stay healthy , have a positive outlook and develop the
ability to make sound moral judgments .
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown

10. References
Davies, Nigel. (2010). Player-Centered Coaching: Enhancing Player Game Sense. Strategies: A Journal for
Physical and Sport Educators 24(2), 24-28.
Larkins, P. (2008). Lesson Plan: Beanbugs and Bunnies. Schoolsnet. Retrieved from
http://www.schoolsnet.com/pls/hot_school/sn_primary.page_pls_resource_detail?x=16180339&p_re
s_id=1051
Light, R. (2013). Game Sense : Pedagogy for Performance, Participation and Enjoyment. New York, NY:
Routledge.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6. (2007). Sydney, NSW: Board of Studies.
Lorielyn Brien 99726948 Bankstown