2. What is a game sense approach?
Is an approach to modified sport which engages children, “in strategies
and concepts where there are opportunities to develop both skills and an
understanding of the tactics of the game,” and “promotes the
development of thinking players” (Australian Government: Australian
Sports Commission)
3. Fundamental movement skills. Why are
they important?
Fundamental movement skills are crucial to a child's development both
physically and mentally
These skills involve locomotor (run, jump, swim); body management
(balance, climb); and object control (catch, kick throw, strike) (Hands, 2012
It also gives students the confidence and capability to participate in several
activities which benefit their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
(Hands, 2012)
4. Types of game sense activities
In (Pill, 2014)
Small sided and designer games
Modification of games, play practices to promote particular tactical or motor
skill learning
Guided discovery and inquiry learning which is initiated through questioning
from teacher
Invasion, striking/ fielding, net/ court, and target games
These games enable teachers to transfer same game concepts for different
games
These types of activities also provide students with the opportunities to
develop their skills in fundamental movement patterns and coordinated
actions of the body. This leads to positive physical and health outcomes for
students. (BOS, 2007)
5. Strengths of game sense as a teaching
approach
Students learn the techniques, skills, rules, and tactics of the game with
other peers which allows them to possess an enhanced understanding of
the activity/ game
This approach also evokes students think about the design and movement
of games in a manner that is quite different and new.
Observation is a major part of this approach which leads to improved
engagement in physical activity
Gives students the responsibility to modify games which aren’t running
smoothly and need improving. This allows students to make adjustments
take learning into their own hands.
Overall, the game sense approach enhances students learning in PE as it
improves engagement, participation and enjoyment.
6. Implementation of Game sense
approach
The GS approach will be implemented throughout my Year 6 PE programs.
It will be embedded in the physical activities/ games that the students will
be participating in during the allocated time for PDHPE of 1 ½ - 2 ½ hours
per week.
7. Reference List
Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education K-6 Syllabus. Sydney: Board of Studies
Pill, S. (2014). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in
physical education. Sport, Education and Society, 21(2), 279-297.
doi:10.1080/13573322.2014.912624
Hands, B. P. (2012). How fundamental are fundamental movement
skills?.Active and Healthy Magazine, 19(1), 14-17.
http://researchonline.nd.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context
=health_article
