2. WHAT IS GAME SENSE??
Its ALL ABOUT FUN!!
Students are focused on playing a game not just being taught drills or
techniques. This means students are practicing there skills in a realistic
setting (Light, 2006).
Game sense uses a simplified or modified version of a sport to teach the
skills involved in that sport. It does this in order to cater for the specific
needs of the particular group.
Mandigo, Butler and Hopper (2007) state that teaching games for
understanding focuses on facilitating the needs of the students rather than
the game itself.
3. Students are always learning while involved in game sense.
The set out of the modified games allows students to identify
skills they are learning and then use them in the full version of
the games.
These skills and strategies that students learn can be
transferred across similar game types.
Students feel confident as they have experienced success in the
simpler form of the game and apply this when building on the
complexity of the games.
4. FUN> MOVEMENT> SAFETY
Using this approach when teaching allows me to keep control over the
situation. This is important as it maximises safety for the students.
The first thing that kids want to do when it comes to PE is play a game.
Game sense provides a practical way to satisfy this desire while still
teaching the skills involved in the game.
Having a game sense approach to teaching PDHPE allows for a fun
interactive and practical experience for your child. It is a student centred
Approach to teaching.
5. RELATED SKILLS
THESE ARE JUST A FEW
Communicating. COES1.1: Expresses feelings needs and
wants in appropriate ways’
INS2.3: ‘ Makes positive contributions in group activities’
Playing and having fun in this game sense way allows students
to reflect upon what part of the game they are good at.
PSS2.5: ‘Initiates problem solving on a group or individual
basis. Seeing the skills in the game poses problems to solve.
DMS3.2: ‘Modifies rules or procedures to maximise
participation of all members of a group’ . Students are
involved in changing rules like including extra balls.
6. References
• Light, R. (2006). Game sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of
Physical Education New Zealand, 39(1), 8-19,3. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/211172960?accountid=36155
• Mandigo, J., Butler, J., & Hopper, T. (2007). What is teaching games for
understanding? A canadian perspective. Physical & Health Education
Journal, 73(2), 14-20. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/214321414?accountid=36155
