1. GAME SENSE APPROACH
WHY ARE TEACHERS USING GAME SENSE
APPROACH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLING PE CLASSES?
Ahida Darwich 18063123
Hey Patrick!
Lets change
the rules of the
game!
3. GAME SENSE APPROACH IN P.E CLASSES
WHAT IS A GAME SENSE APPROACH?
What is game sense approach in PE?
- Game sense is an approach designed to modify sport to enable both skills
and understanding tactics of the game as well teaching physical activity.
- These modifications can be designed easier or harder, to accommodate
according to individual ability levels, resulting in maximum inclusion and
challenge.
- The game rules are changed focusing on the technique and skills
- Promotes the development of ‘thinking players’.
(Breed & Spittle, 2011)
4. EXPLANATION OF GAME SENSE APPROACH
TYPES OF GAME APPROACHES
Game sense approaches towards teaching
and coaching has progressed over time as
teachers have incorporated more engaging
ways of introducing and incorporating
games into the curriculum.
- Emphasizes on tactics and decision
making
- Focuses on the important elements of
the game
- Motivates participants to comprehend
why skills are important in games
- Encourages an understanding of rules
and how they shape and influence a
game or strategy
• Game sense is a student centered
approach, designed for focusing on needs
and abilities of participants, rather than
the importance of the game (Mandigo et
al., 2008).
• It is designed to focus on the development
of strategic skills, and to develop sport-
specific motor skills (Pill, 2012).
• Through the Game sense approach, it
focuses on the theory of constructivist
pedagogy which emphasizes that students
learn best through personal experiences
and social interactions (light, 2004)
5. JUST AFTER
ONE MORE
GAME!
EXAMPLES OF GAME SENSE APPROACH
There are four categories of games, in
the game sense approach:
- Target games – these include games
such as golf, archery, and darts.
- Striking or Fielding games – these
include games such as baseball, cricket,
and softball.
- Net and Wall games – such as
volleyball and tennis.
- Invasion or Territory games –
including Hockey, Soccer, Football
and Rugby.
6. GAME SENSE TEACHING APPROACHES
RATIONALE
• The Game sense approach is playing a specific
game forward by questioning the design of the
game.
• This approach focuses on individuals personal
physical, social and intellectual skills.
• The games are paused in-between allowing
students to intervene by adding rules, modifying
the game and reflecting on their participation
Social skills are enhanced as verbal
and non-verbal communications
are implemented through the
interactive nature of game sense.
Aiding students in
developing
leadership and
planning skills.
Supporting students in
developing other skills, such
as decision making, problem
solving and appropriate
strategies to use in games.
7. GAMES TO USE
• As a reflection students are to answer the following
• 1. What is the purpose of the game?
• 2 What are some skills you incorporated?
• 3 What are the advantages and disadvantages of the game?
• 4 What some concepts you have learned throughout the game?
• 5. How can we modify the game?
sense of
worth
Sense of
Belonging
Improves
tactical
play and
confidence
Reduced
demands
How is game sense approach used in the game below?
This is a fun and engaging cross curriculum game that also challenges students’ geography knowledge on
the world.
PASS THE WORLD MAP
Rules of the game:
- Students are to be divided into 2 groups standing in front of each other.
- The player must select a country, identify it, and provide a brief description.
- The student will pass the ball to the next player and repeat the steps
Guidelines:
- the ball is to travel in a zigzag direction.
- The player from the first line will pass the ball to another player from the second
line.
- This must be done in order.
Importance of game sense
approach
8. SYLLABUS CONTENT
The PDHPE syllabus states that the focal idea of game sense approach, is it engages students in physical
activity as well having fun. As a result, students are lead to a healthy, active and happy lifestyle.
This also highlights the importance of interacting skills, in relation to positivity to others and the
environment. This includes working collaboratively, generating and following rules for common benefit.
Furthermore this promotes developing and maintaining friendships, as well offering assistance and
encouragement.
9. REFERENCES
Board of Studies, NSW. (c2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K‐6 Syllabus.
Sydney: Board of Studies. Retrieved from http://k6.board
fstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/go/personal‐development‐health‐and‐physical‐ education‐pdhpe
Breed, R., & Spittle, M. (2011). Developing game sense through tactical learning: A resource for teachers and coaches.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Game Sense Approach. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sportingschools.gov.au/resources-and- pd/schools/playing-
for-life-resources/game- sense-approach
Light, R. (2004). Coaches’ experiences of Game Sense: Opportunities and Challenges. Physical Education and Sport
Pedagogy, 9(2), 115-131. Doi: 10.1080/1740898042000294949
Mandigo, J., Holt, N., Anderson, A., & Sheppard, J. (2008). Children’s motivational experiences following autonomy-
supportive games lessons. European Physical Education Review, 14(3), 407-425.
Pill, S. (2012). Teaching Game Sense in Soccer. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 83(3), 42-52. Doi:
10.1080/07303084.2012.10598746
