Game sense is a player-centered teaching approach developed to enhance fundamental movement skills (FMS) in a game environment, emphasizing maximum participation, problem-solving, and decision-making. It aims to foster positive relationships and creativity while keeping students engaged and motivated in physical education. This method encourages students to develop their skills through enjoyable and inclusive games that promote integrity and fair play.

1. Game Sense

2. Do you remember doing PE
at school?
To develop one of the twelve fundamental movement skills (FMS), 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 waiting for
your turn to run with the batton?

3. PE activities got you moving, but two important components
were missing -
Game Sense
and…

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
“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'
This new way of teaching was developed by David Brunker and Rob Thorpe in 1982 who realized that
Using space and equipment appropriate to the learner’s stage of
good technique did not necessarily equate to good games players.
development is also a consideration for teachers using Game Sense as a
rather than focusing on developing isolated
teaching method.
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
techniques needs and abilities” (Light, (Davies, 2013).
2010).
approach to teaching sport and PE (Light,2013).

5. The Game Sense Focus
• 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 tailored to suit the child’s level of
development and autonomy.
A game’s rules can be modified and student
initiative encouraged.
• Stimulating players to
reach their potential
• Fosters integrity and
fair play
The game environment requires students
to play by the rules and encourages
positive social interaction.

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

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

8. Please view the lesson plan for Bean Bags and Bunnies created by Larkins (2008) as an
example of the type of game that will be played in class.
Your child will master repetitive movements to form
a sequence, such as;
Using imagery during warm-ups and games your child’s individual creativity is
encouraged.
Slither like a snake

9. Game sense will help your child to stay healthy, have a positive
outlook and develop the ability to make moral judgments.
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.

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.