Gross Motor Games: Coordination + Safety + Endurance

Level 2 strengthens application through more complex movement.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large open space (classroom cleared, gym, or outdoor area)

Several soft balls of varying sizes

A basket or container for balls

Cones or markers to create a path

A small stuffed animal or toy (representing a family member)

Music player and upbeat music

Optional: Pictures of children and families playing together

Learning Objectives

Children will demonstrate improved coordination by safely navigating a movement path.

Children will practise throwing and catching skills with increasing accuracy.

Children will engage in sustained physical activity, showing endurance.

Children will identify members of their family through movement and play.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children and introduce the activity: "Today we're going to play some fun games that help our bodies get strong, just like a strong family works together! We’ll pretend we are running errands for our families or playing games with them."

2. Set up a simple obstacle course with cones for children to weave through, imagining they are delivering a letter to Grandma or picking up groceries for their family. Encourage them to walk, skip, or tiptoe.

3. After the obstacle course, have children line up. Place the basket of balls a short distance away. "Now, let's pretend we are throwing a game of catch with our brother or sister! Can you throw the ball into the basket for your family?"

4. Model proper throwing technique and provide gentle guidance for each child. Allow them to try with different sized balls.

5. Introduce a "family tag" game. Designate one child as "it" and tell them, "You are 'it' and you're looking for your family to play with!" Children run from "it" trying to tag them back. Stop the game periodically to switch who is "it."

6. Play music and encourage free movement, asking children to "dance like they do with their family at home!" or "move like you're helping your mum or dad."

7. Conclude by having children place the stuffed animal in the basket, saying, "We brought this toy home for our family!"

Educator Tip

Ensure the space is clear of hazards. Offer modifications for children who need them, such as rolling the ball instead of throwing, or having them walk the course instead of running. Encourage children to share who they might be playing these games with at home, fostering a connection between school and family life.

Assessment

Observe children’s ability to follow the movement path with increasing control and balance. Note their attempts at throwing and catching, looking for improvement in overhand or underhand throws. Watch for their engagement in sustained movement and their participation in the "family tag" game, indicating endurance and social interaction.

Educator tip

Require complete thoughts about what bodies can do.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Anecdotal notes + movement observation.

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