Grade 1 Movement Activities Basic Motor Skill – Non-locomotion skills Notes
Movement Activities — Basic Motor Skill
Subtopic: Non-locomotion skills (Age 6 — Kenya)
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standing, stretching, balancing, foot control, twisting
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to: identify and name simple non-locomotor movements (stretch, bend, twist, turn, balance).
- Demonstrate safe bending, stretching and twisting while standing and sitting for 5–10 seconds.
- Show basic balance: stand on one foot for 3–5 seconds and hold a “statue” position when asked.
- Follow short teacher cues and repeat 3–4 simple non-locomotor sequences.
- Use non-locomotor skills in play and daily activities (e.g., reaching for an object, bending to tie shoes).
Suggested Learning Experiences
Duration: 20–30 minutes total (short segments).
Where: school compound/grass area, classroom with space, or play field.
Materials: chalk or masking tape (to mark lines), mats or soft ground, bottle tops or small stones, music (local song or simple beat), stopwatch or timer (optional).
Safety: shoes or bare feet on soft ground, clear area of stones, sun hat and water if outside.
Where: school compound/grass area, classroom with space, or play field.
Materials: chalk or masking tape (to mark lines), mats or soft ground, bottle tops or small stones, music (local song or simple beat), stopwatch or timer (optional).
Safety: shoes or bare feet on soft ground, clear area of stones, sun hat and water if outside.
1. Warm-up (4–6 minutes)
- Sing a local counting/rhyming song (English or Kiswahili) while pupils march on the spot (1 minute). Example: "Uku, uku, twende" or a simple clap-count tune.
- Gentle stretches: reach for the sky (hands up) 3 times, touch toes 3 times, shake hands and feet to relax.
- Teacher cue practice: show action, ask children to copy slowly (e.g., "Reach up—hold 3 seconds").
2. Main activities (15–18 minutes)
Activity A — Statue Game (5 min)
- Teacher says an action name and shows it: "Tree (balance)", "Bend", "Twist", "Reach".
- Children copy and hold for 3–5 seconds. Use fun calls: "Statue—freeze!"
- Variation: use music — stop music and children freeze in the last action.
- Teacher checks for safe posture (knees soft, straight back).
Activity B — Balance Line (6–8 min)
- Mark a straight line with chalk or tape on the ground (or use a narrow board under supervision).
- Children walk along the line slowly placing one foot in front of the other (if ready). At set points, stop and do a non-locomotor action: reach up, touch knee, twist shoulders.
- For quieter children: walk along line holding teacher’s hand; for advanced: walk backwards (careful) or stand on one foot on the line.
Activity C — Mirror Pairs (4–5 min)
- Children pair up. One child is the leader and makes slow non-locomotor moves (stretch, twist, make a shape). The partner copies like a mirror.
- Switch roles after 30–45 seconds. Use simple language: "Leader — show, Mirror — copy."
- Use praise and show demonstration for clarity.
3. Cool-down (3–4 minutes)
- Sit in a circle. Take slow deep breaths together (inhale for 3, exhale for 3).
- Gentle neck rolls, hand on belly to feel breathing. Finish with a quiet rhyme or "thank you" song in Kiswahili/English.
Assessment (Simple, age-appropriate)
- Use a short checklist while observing each child (tick = achieved):
- Can copy 3 non-locomotor actions on request.
- Holds a balance (one foot) for 3 seconds.
- Follows teacher cues and stops safely when asked.
- Note examples of good control (e.g., "Anna balanced on right foot 4s"). Keep records in class book for progress.
Differentiation / Adaptation
- Support learners with poor balance: stand beside them or hold their hand, use wider lines or mats.
- Challenge advanced learners: hold balances longer, add gentle shoulder/hip twist while balancing.
- For learners with hearing needs: use more visual cues and demonstrations rather than long verbal instructions.
Home/Community link (simple take-home task)
- Ask parents to play a "statue" game at home for 5 minutes: parent calls actions, child freezes.
- Use household items: reach for a cup on a low table (stretch and bend safely).
Teacher tips: use local songs and rhymes, keep language simple (English and Kiswahili), praise effort, give short clear demonstrations and one instruction at a time. Keep activities short and fun for 6-year-olds.
Quick Checklist
☑ Identify bend/stretch/twist
☑ Balance 3–5s
☑ Copy teacher 3 actions
☑ Safe stops on command
Note: Keep sessions playful. Use local materials (tape, chalk, mats) and outdoor school compound when possible. Adapt to each child's abilities.