Parkes & Forbes Community Hub

 

 This program is designed for teachers to use in a Kindergarten to Year 2 setting. The focus is on developing strength, coordination and aerobic capacity in the child using simple, whole body tasks. The program can be applied to all children of this age. 

There are modifications on the backs of each activity card to cater for children with developmental delay, such as those with Autism or a Developmental Coordination Disorder. These modifications are designed to alter the activity both ways to make it harder or make it easier. This is entirely dependent on the ability of the child concerned. 

 

The teacher should pick as many cards as desired, depending entirely on the time constraints. If used as a lesson break, two different activities would be sufficient, and can be played in a competitive setting to increase involvement and enthusiasm from the children. 

 

Physical activity used in between lessons or as a lesson is extremely beneficial for academic performance, as well as for growth and development. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain resulting in increased concentration and attention span. It also increases norepinephrine and endorphins which improve mood, reduce stress, and induce a calming effect on the individual (Taras, 2005). Several studies have tested the effects of physical activity on academic achievement. Two studies in particular found that both adolescents and fourth graders who participated in physical activity prior to undertaking certain academic tests, performed better at these tests compared to their class mates who did not participate in physical activity (Field et al, 2001 & Caterino & Polak, 1999). These are just two examples highlighting how physical activity, when undertaken at school, can be helpful in increasing concentration of the children involved, and enhance learning.

 

• Gross motor program K-2

​

The following documents are syllabus details around gross motor skills to develop over the K-6 years. These contain information on skills required to be gained at each level of education and ideas on how to teach them. 

 

• Syllabus gross motor reference K-2

​

• Syllabus gross motor reference grades 3-6

  • catch

  • dodge

  • hop

  • kick

  • leap

  • overarm throw

  • skip

  • static balance

  • two hand strike

  • vertical jump