Team Games and Sports
To develop movement skills, teamwork, and understanding of rules through simple team games.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Follows game rules
- Works as part of a team
- Shows good sportsmanship
- Demonstrates developing skills
Materials
- PE equipment
- Bibs or bands for teams
- Cones and markers
- Hall or outdoor space
Instructions
CHOOSING APPROPRIATE GAMES: Select games with simple rules and maximum participation. Avoid elimination games where children sit out. Good choices: relay races, tag games, team challenges, modified sports.
EXPLAINING RULES CLEARLY: Before playing, explain rules simply: 'The aim is to get the ball to your team's goal. You can throw but not run with the ball. If the ball goes out, the other team gets it.' Check understanding.
DEMONSTRATING BEFORE PLAYING: Show how the game works with a quick demonstration. 'Watch—I throw to my teammate, they catch it and throw it on... like this!' Seeing is clearer than just hearing.
FORMING FAIR TEAMS: Create balanced teams. Avoid children choosing (which leads to hurt feelings). Quick methods: counting off, sorting by birthday months, pulling names. Change teams regularly.
TEACHING SPORTSMANSHIP: Model and teach: 'We try our hardest, but we don't always win. We shake hands/high five at the end. We say "well played" to everyone.' Address poor sportmanship firmly but kindly.
REFEREEING FAIRLY: Be consistent with rules. If a team breaks a rule, explain why and what happens. 'The ball went out here, so it's the other team's throw.' Fairness matters to children.
MODIFYING FOR SUCCESS: If a game isn't working, modify it. Lower the net, use a bigger ball, shrink the playing area, add more goals. The game should challenge but not frustrate.
CELEBRATING PARTICIPATION: Praise effort and participation over winning: 'I saw you running so fast!' 'You made a great pass to your teammate!' 'Everyone played really well today!'