Grade 3 Movement Basic Motor Skill – Twisting Notes

Twisting is turning the upper body (shoulders and chest) around the waist while the feet stay on or near the ground. It helps children look behind, change direction, balance and move safely in games, sports and dances.

• Perform a safe twisting movement of the waist and shoulders with control (single twist, 90–180°).
• Keep balance while twisting and returning to standing position.
• Use twisting when changing direction during simple games (tag, football turns).
• Describe twisting using simple body words: waist, shoulders, knees, feet.

1. Walk slowly around the school compound (1–2 minutes).
2. Neck turns: look left and right — 6 times.
3. Slow waist twists with hands on hips — 8 times each side.
4. Light knee bends and ankle circles to prepare feet for turning.

All activities suit a school field, playground, or a safe mtaa space. Use cones or empty plastic bottles as markers.

• Mirror Twist (paired) — Pupils face each other. One child leads by twisting slowly left and right; partner mirrors the move. Switch roles after 30 seconds. Focus on smooth shoulders and waist rotation.
• Twist & Catch — In pairs, one child tosses a soft ball slightly to the side; the catcher must twist, look, and catch. Start small tosses, then increase angle. Use socks/soft ball for safety.
• Twist Path Relay — Set 4–6 markers in a line. Children run to each marker, twist to look over right shoulder, run to next, twist left, etc. Add music to make it fun. Use water bottles as low-cost markers.
• Dance twist — Teach a 4-count twist step used in local songs/dance: step, twist hips and shoulders to right, step, twist left. Do in a circle and add clapping.
• Twist Tag (game) — One "chaser". If the chaser tags someone, that child must freeze and perform two twists to be free. Encourages quick controlled turns and balance.

• "Look where you want to go — turn your shoulders."
• "Keep feet on the floor — twist from the waist."
• "Knees soft — that helps you balance."
• Give praise: "Good control!" or "Nice twist and catch!"

• Check the ground: remove stones and holes; use grass or a flat surface.
• Use soft balls for catching; avoid hard surfaces for falls.
• Children with limited mobility: allow smaller twist range or sit and twist the shoulders.
• Ensure enough space between pupils to avoid collisions.

Observe each child and tick:

• Can twist shoulders and waist while keeping balance? (Yes / Not yet)
• Looks in the direction of travel when twisting? (Yes / Not yet)
• Uses twisting in a game without falling? (Yes / Not yet)

• Plastic bottles or stones (markers)
• Soft ball or rolled socks for catching
• Music player or phone for dance activity
• Open safe space: school field, playground or mtaa space

• Helps children look behind when crossing paths or roads (important for safety).
• Makes changing direction in football, athletics and dance easier.
• Builds core control and balance for other movement skills.

Combine twisting with jumping (small hop then twist) for older/advanced pupils, or practise twisting with a baton (relay) to teach turning while holding an object — useful for athletics and dance.