Physical Education 479:
Term 1 Notes – Lesson 1
What is Physical Education in the Foundation Phase
What is Physical Education in the Foundation Phase:
- QPE = Quality Physical Education
QPE as the point of departure:
QPE for primary school children is an educational program designed to provide opportunities for
learners to:
- Develop physical literacy,
- Acquire movement skills, adopt healthy habits,
- Foster positive attitudes towards physical activities and lifelong fitness.
- It aims to empower learners to lead active, healthy lifestyles and cultivate a sense of enjoyment,
competence, and confidence in their physical abilities
The Brain and Physical Education (PE):
- The link between the brain and movement in the FP is fundamental and multifaceted
- Movement plays a crucial role in cognitive, social, emotional and physical development during
early childhood (ages 3-8)
- Understanding this connection is NB for educators to support children’s overall growth & learning
Three domains of focus to be mindful of when teaching PE:
- Hands (physical / psychomotor) →1 (start)
- Head (cognitive) → 2
- Heart (emotional) → 3
Psychomotor Development:
- Psychomotor development refers to the development of motor skills and coordination, including
both gross motor and fine motor skills
- In the FP, children are in a period of rapid growth and refinement of motor skills
- PE activities provide opportunities for children to explore and practice fundamental movement
skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking and balancing
- Through guided play and structured activities, children develop proficiency in basic movement
patterns, improve coordination and gain confidence in their physical abilities
- Psychomotor development in PE lays the foundation for participation in sports, recreational
activities and lifelong physical fitness
,Stability Skills:
- ^ Involve maintaining balance and control of the body’s position in various contexts
- These skills are crucial for foundational movement and provide the stability needed for engaging
in more complex motor activities
Examples of stability skills include:
- Static balance: maintaining balance while standing still
- Dynamic balance: maintaining balance while in motion or while performing dynamic movements
- Core stability: strengthening and stabilizing the muscles of the core (abdominals, lower back, and
pelvis) to support posture and movement control.
Locomotor Skills:
- ^ Refer to movements that transport the body from 1 place to another
- These skills are fundamental for mobility and are often the building blocks for more advanced
movement patterns
Examples of locomotor skills include:
- Walking: moving one foot in front of the other in a coordinated manner
- Running: moving rapidly using a coordinated sequence of steps
- Jumping: propelling the body off the ground using both feet and landing on both feet / one foot
- Skipping: alternating steps while moving forward in a rhythmic pattern
- Galloping: a series of steps in which one foot moves forward followed by the other foot closing in
behind it
Manipulative Skills:
- ^ Involve controlling objects / equipment using hands, feet or other body parts
- These skills are NB for activities such as catching, throwing, kicking and striking, and they
contribute to overall coordination and dexterity
Examples of manipulative skills include:
- Throwing: propelling an object through the air using the hand or arm
- Catching: receiving and controlling an object that is thrown or propelled toward oneself
- Kicking: striking an object with the foot to propel it forward
- Striking: making controlled contact with an object using a hand, foot or implement (eg: racket /
bat)
- Dribbling: controlling a ball or objects while moving, typically using the hands or feet
Cognitive Development:
- ^ Encompasses the growth of intellectual abilities, including memory, problem-solving, attention,
and language skills
- PE in the FP supports cognitive development through movement-based learning experiences
- Activities are designed to engage children in problem-solving tasks, spatial reasoning, and
decision-making within the context of physical movement
- Integrating cognitive challenges into physical activities encourages children to think critically,
make connections between movement and concepts, and apply strategies to achieve goals
- For example, organising relay races with simple rules and instructions promotes cognitive skills
such as sequencing, following directions and teamwork
, Affective Development:
- ^ Involves the growth of social and emotional competencies, self-awareness, self-regulation,
empathy, and interpersonal relationships
- PE provides a supportive environment for the development of affective skills and attitudes
- Team sports, cooperative games, and partner activities promote social interaction, cooperation,
and communication skills
- Through collaborative play and shared experiences, children learn to negotiate rules, resolve
conflicts, and demonstrate sportsmanship
- Physical activities also offer opportunities for emotional expression, stress relief, and self-
confidence building
- Successes and challenges in physical education help children develop resilience, perseverance,
and a positive attitude toward physical activity and healthy living.
Aspects To Consider When Teaching PE In The FP:
- Body awareness
- Dominance
- Midline crossing
- Spatial awareness
- Laterality
- Eye-hand coordination
- Foreground / background concepts
Term 1 Notes – Lesson 1
What is Physical Education in the Foundation Phase
What is Physical Education in the Foundation Phase:
- QPE = Quality Physical Education
QPE as the point of departure:
QPE for primary school children is an educational program designed to provide opportunities for
learners to:
- Develop physical literacy,
- Acquire movement skills, adopt healthy habits,
- Foster positive attitudes towards physical activities and lifelong fitness.
- It aims to empower learners to lead active, healthy lifestyles and cultivate a sense of enjoyment,
competence, and confidence in their physical abilities
The Brain and Physical Education (PE):
- The link between the brain and movement in the FP is fundamental and multifaceted
- Movement plays a crucial role in cognitive, social, emotional and physical development during
early childhood (ages 3-8)
- Understanding this connection is NB for educators to support children’s overall growth & learning
Three domains of focus to be mindful of when teaching PE:
- Hands (physical / psychomotor) →1 (start)
- Head (cognitive) → 2
- Heart (emotional) → 3
Psychomotor Development:
- Psychomotor development refers to the development of motor skills and coordination, including
both gross motor and fine motor skills
- In the FP, children are in a period of rapid growth and refinement of motor skills
- PE activities provide opportunities for children to explore and practice fundamental movement
skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking and balancing
- Through guided play and structured activities, children develop proficiency in basic movement
patterns, improve coordination and gain confidence in their physical abilities
- Psychomotor development in PE lays the foundation for participation in sports, recreational
activities and lifelong physical fitness
,Stability Skills:
- ^ Involve maintaining balance and control of the body’s position in various contexts
- These skills are crucial for foundational movement and provide the stability needed for engaging
in more complex motor activities
Examples of stability skills include:
- Static balance: maintaining balance while standing still
- Dynamic balance: maintaining balance while in motion or while performing dynamic movements
- Core stability: strengthening and stabilizing the muscles of the core (abdominals, lower back, and
pelvis) to support posture and movement control.
Locomotor Skills:
- ^ Refer to movements that transport the body from 1 place to another
- These skills are fundamental for mobility and are often the building blocks for more advanced
movement patterns
Examples of locomotor skills include:
- Walking: moving one foot in front of the other in a coordinated manner
- Running: moving rapidly using a coordinated sequence of steps
- Jumping: propelling the body off the ground using both feet and landing on both feet / one foot
- Skipping: alternating steps while moving forward in a rhythmic pattern
- Galloping: a series of steps in which one foot moves forward followed by the other foot closing in
behind it
Manipulative Skills:
- ^ Involve controlling objects / equipment using hands, feet or other body parts
- These skills are NB for activities such as catching, throwing, kicking and striking, and they
contribute to overall coordination and dexterity
Examples of manipulative skills include:
- Throwing: propelling an object through the air using the hand or arm
- Catching: receiving and controlling an object that is thrown or propelled toward oneself
- Kicking: striking an object with the foot to propel it forward
- Striking: making controlled contact with an object using a hand, foot or implement (eg: racket /
bat)
- Dribbling: controlling a ball or objects while moving, typically using the hands or feet
Cognitive Development:
- ^ Encompasses the growth of intellectual abilities, including memory, problem-solving, attention,
and language skills
- PE in the FP supports cognitive development through movement-based learning experiences
- Activities are designed to engage children in problem-solving tasks, spatial reasoning, and
decision-making within the context of physical movement
- Integrating cognitive challenges into physical activities encourages children to think critically,
make connections between movement and concepts, and apply strategies to achieve goals
- For example, organising relay races with simple rules and instructions promotes cognitive skills
such as sequencing, following directions and teamwork
, Affective Development:
- ^ Involves the growth of social and emotional competencies, self-awareness, self-regulation,
empathy, and interpersonal relationships
- PE provides a supportive environment for the development of affective skills and attitudes
- Team sports, cooperative games, and partner activities promote social interaction, cooperation,
and communication skills
- Through collaborative play and shared experiences, children learn to negotiate rules, resolve
conflicts, and demonstrate sportsmanship
- Physical activities also offer opportunities for emotional expression, stress relief, and self-
confidence building
- Successes and challenges in physical education help children develop resilience, perseverance,
and a positive attitude toward physical activity and healthy living.
Aspects To Consider When Teaching PE In The FP:
- Body awareness
- Dominance
- Midline crossing
- Spatial awareness
- Laterality
- Eye-hand coordination
- Foreground / background concepts
