Lesson Structure (for the instructor)

A. Principal Concepts

1. the child desires in her/his movement to discover her/his environment and find a place in it.

2. the body is the instrument of movement and may be used in a wide variety of ways

3. Space, force, time, and flow are the factors of movement

B. Main Points

1. Space is the medium for motion

2. personal space--is the immediate area surrounding the body and its outer limit is the farthest reach of all body parts at all levels while stationary.

3. General space--is the area surrounding the personal space and its outer limit is artificially defined by lines, walls, fences and any other accepted or real boundary.

Student Objectives:

A. the students will demonstrate an understanding of (knowledge):

1. the various options for movement in the personal and general space

2. controlled movement in the general space while taking into consideration others and objects

3. efficient use of available space while sharing it with others and objects

B. The student will learn how to (skills)

1. move in space (personal & general) utilizing a variety of paths and patterns

2. move in the general space without bumping into objects or other persons

3. react promptly to "stop" ("freeze") and "go" signals

4. listen and think while moving

5. improve one's control of body while in movement

6. take and return equipment in an orderly manner

C. New Terms (introduced to students)

Personal Space; General Space; freeze; control

TASK #1 -- Movement Experiences in the Personal Space

TASK #2 -- Movement Experiences in the Personal Space

TASK #3 -- Movement Experiences in the General Space

TASK #4 -- Movement Experiences in the General Space

TASK #5 -- Movement Experiences in the personal Space: Ball Control by Individual

TASK #6 -- Movement Experiences in the General Space: Ball Control by Individual

1 Ideas presented in this learning unit are based in part on the Hebrew translation of Bonnie Cherp Gilliom's text "Basic Movement Education for Children" (Translation by Efrat Amir and Dr. David Eldar, 1979, The Wingate Institute, Israel). Additional sources used: Bette Jean Logsdon's chapter on "Educational Gymnastics" and Kate R. Barrett's chapter on "Educational Games" in Logsdon, B. J. et al. (1984). Physical education for children: A focus on the teaching process (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.