Inquiring and Thinking in Grade 1 Target Games Unit

We moved into a new Target Games unit in grade one PE last week. Before introducing the central idea to the students (Effectively sending an object towards a target requires us to improve upon our aim and the technique we use), I wanted to get the kids to learn that there are indeed many different ways of sending an object toward a target. To allow them to do so, I set up a number of different targets around the gym in today’s class. 

We discussed different ways to send an object toward a target and they came up with a very sensible list that was appropriate for the variety of targets set up (kicking, sliding/rolling, throwing, and hitting). I gave them each a bean bag and a little hacky-sack type ball that doesn’t bounce or really roll that far to ensure that they didn’t have to chase it around when collecting it. 

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The 2 learner profile attributes I stressed in today’s class were being ‘Thinkers’ and ‘Inquirers’. The aim of the lesson was to have the students try various means of sending their objects towards the target using the above mentioned styles of delivery. They received a point every time they got their bean bag or ball into, on, or inside the target. The students were divided into two teams; the green team and the orange team. 

How were the challenged to be Thinkers?

They not only had to remember the number of points they collected, but also had to choose different means of sending their bean bag or ball at the target. They had to remember their choices for sending the object and ensure that they tried all of them out at each target. 


How were they challenged to be Inquirers?

The students had to decide which method of delivery was best for each particular target. Some targets required a different means of delivery. They had to essentially ask themselves what way works best and then explore the different options available to them. 

They kicked it!

They hit it!

They slid it!

They threw it!

Time to Vote!!

Once they had ample time to explore the different ways of sending an object at the target, we all gathered as a group in front of the chart paper to record our team results. Each team member gave the number of points they had gained and this was recorded and totaled. Once we were done tallying the points, the students were asked which style of sending the object worked best for them. 

There was a wee bit of confusion here as many students misinterpreted the question. Many felt that the question was asking which style of delivery they liked the best, but in fact the question was meant to determine which style of delivery worked the best. To clear up the confusion we talked about what the question means and discussed the difference between liking something and choosing something that works best for them. At the end of the discussion, I was fairly confident that the students understood the question. The kids voted and then we analysed the results and had a further discussion to end the class.