In addition to the considerations for class planning the following guide will aid the planning process for games:
Consult the year plan and decide how many units of games can be developed.
- Plan a selection of warm-up and cool-down activities to include
- general running, turning, dodging and stopping activities
- games requiring little or no equipment
- mobility and flexibility exercises.
- Select strand units to be developed and plan a theme or themes linked to the objectives of these units. Possible themes might be
- sending, receiving and travelling skills
- co-operative or playground games
- games to develop use of space
- creating games
- playing small-sided invasion games
- developing principles of defence and attack.
- Plan to link the games to be played with the ‘Sending, receiving and travelling’ strand unit, modifying the games to suit the level of ability of the class.
- Select aspects of understanding and appreciation of games to be developed throughout the unit.
Exemplar 15 focuses on developing an understanding of the use of space. It is designed for implementation at third or fourth-class level and consists of six lessons. The content includes throwing, catching and striking skills which are developed into games created by children and the more formal striking games. Throughout the lessons the children are challenged to think about moving into space and receiving, when to send and when to receive.
Exemplar 16 focuses on three themes: the role of attackers and defenders, the use of space in games and the creation and playing of small-sided invasion games. It is designed for implementation at fifth and sixth-class level for a duration of ten lessons. Throughout the lessons the children are given opportunities to discuss their tactics of defence and attack in small-sided invasion games and finally in games of football and mini-basketball. The skills developed include throwing, catching, running and kicking.
EXEMPLAR 15 - A unit of work in games (third and fourth classes)
EXEMPLAR 16 - A unit of work in games (fifth and sixth classes)