This presentation explains the Game Sense approach, focusing on how it can be applied to an Early Stage 1 kindergarten class. Game Sense is a holistic model that emphasizes active student involvement in decision making and problem solving within modified small sided games, rather than discrete skill drills. It involves starting with simple games and progressing to more complex ones. The approach develops both movement and thinking skills and has been linked to the NSW syllabus topics for early stage 1 of developing movement and social skills through games such as counting games and egg games.

1. The following presentation will explain and
highlight the Game Sense Approach
especially referring to Early Stage 1 which
is relevant to Mrs Elfass’s Kindergarten
Active Stars class.

2. WHAT IS GAME SENSE???
• The game sense approach is a holistic model that
focuses on the student being actively involved in
the sport.
• This approach places a student in a position in
decision-making, problem-solving, display of
different tactics and developing skills throughout the
lesson (Curry, 2011).

3. GAME SENSE CONTINUED...
• Game sense involves using small-sided games
which are modified. It focuses on the whole game
itself rather than the discrete skills which traditional
approaches see mastering them as necessary
before attempting the game (Curry, 2011).
• Game sense approach typically involves beginning
with simple games and progressing to more
complex games which require greater skills (Webb
& Pearson, 2008).

4. CATEGORIES OF GAME SENSE
 Consists of four categories:
1. Net/Court- send ball to opponents court so that
they are unable to play or return it.
2. Invasion- team games with the purpose of invading
the opponents territory in order to score more
points.
3. Striking/Fielding- a battle between the fielding and
batting team with the aim of scoring more runs than
the opponents.
4. Target Games- scoring by striking a ball to a target.
(Webb & Pearson, 2008).

5. Game Sense Links to Syllabus
•In the early stages of schooling years children develop
fundamental locomotor and non-locomotor skills (Board of
Studies, 2006).
• Students performing game sense approaches will not only
develop the essential core movement skills however they
will develop essential fundamental thinking skills (Curry,
2011).
• Mainly students in early stage 1 learn how to make simple
decisions (DMES1.2). They are also learning how to
interact with other peers in work and play situations
(INES1.3)- (Board of Studies, 2006). This could be offered
in many games including counting games and the popular
egg game.

6. Strengths of Game Sense Approach
• Our main goal as teachers is to deliver quality physical
education, focusing on improving student learning
outcomes. This is aimed to be ensured through using the
game sense approach.
• This approach is useful as it allows for an integrated
approach going both within and across different game
categories.
• Also the questioning skill technique that is incorporated
within these games may be important in challenging the
students own approach and skill development.

7. STRENGTHS CONTINUED..
• This approach may cause the child to develop knowledge,
skills and understandings to devise and apply their own
strategies to improve their performance.
• Physical activity is widely known to help in decreasing risks of
certain lifestyle diseases such as obesity. By getting children
actively involved in sport games undertaking this approach,
they may become more physically active.
• Also by allowing children to discover the game themselves by
being actively involved rather than the teacher specifically
instructing, it empowers children to become active problem
solvers.

8. REFERENCES
 Board of Studies NSW. (2006). Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education K-6. Sydney, Australia: Board of Studies NSW.
 Webb, P-I., & Pearson, P-J. (2008). An intergrated approach for
teaching games for understanding (TGfU). Retrieved from
http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=edup
apers
 Curry, C. (2011). Using the game sense approach in physical
education. Engaging Learning, pp. 8-12. Retrieved from
http://learning21c.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/using-the-game-sense-approach-
to-deliver-quality-teaching-in-physical-education/