Movement Activities — Manipulative Skills

Subtopic: Kicking (Umboreshaji wa Uchezaji: Kicking)

Age group: 7 years (Class 2–3)

Learning Objectives

• Students will be able to kick a stationary ball using the inside of the foot or the instep with control.
• Students will aim at a close target (cone or small goal) and hit it three times out of five attempts.
• Students will follow safety rules and take turns when practising.

Materials (Vifaa)

• Soft footballs / playground balls (mpira)
• Cones, plastic bottles or small targets (mabango)
• Markers for start line (chalk or rope)
• Open safe space: school field or grass pitch (shamba/uwanja wa shule)

Warm-up (2–4 minutes)

• Light jogging around the pitch (1 minute).
• Leg swings: hold a tree or friend, swing right then left (10 swings).
• Gentle toe raises and ankle circles (5–8 seconds each).

Teaching Points — How to kick (Simple steps)

1. Stand next to the ball with your body turned a little sideways. Eyes on the ball. (Mkae kando ya mpira.)
2. Plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing to where you want the ball to go.
3. Use the inside of the foot (for accuracy) or the top (instep) for a stronger kick. Keep toes up for inside foot, point foot down for instep.
4. Swing your kicking leg and follow through — finish with your foot pointing where you want the ball to travel.
5. Keep balance with arms out a little. Breathe and try again.

Progression (Simple drills)

• Drill 1 — Stationary kicks: child kicks ball from a mark to a cone 3 metres away. Repeat 5 times.
• Drill 2 — Partner roll and kick: partner rolls ball slowly; child kicks it to a cone.
• Drill 3 — Moving approach: take one or two steps then kick (good for control).
• Drill 4 — Accuracy challenge: hit a small target (plastic bottle) from 2–4 metres. Count successes.

Simple games (Fun, Kenyan school context)

• "Kick to the Cone": Teams take turns. One child kicks; if ball hits cone, team scores 1 point. Play short rounds.
• "Mpira kwa Rafiki" (Partner Kick): Partners stand 2–3 metres apart and try to pass the ball using gentle kicks. Count passes without dropping.
• "Number Kick": Teacher calls a number; player with that number kicks to score. Good for attention and order.
• "Goal Shoot" (mini goal): Use two sticks or a small goal. Each child has two shots—focus on aim, not power.

Safety and rules

• Always look before you kick — check no one is in front of you.
• Wear shoes or soft sandals; avoid barefoot on rough ground.
• Use soft balls if the ground is hard. Inspect pitch for stones or holes.
• Take turns and keep a safe distance when others are kicking.

Assessment (Quick checks for teacher)

Use simple yes/no or tick-box for each child:

• Stands correctly beside the ball — Yes / No
• Uses inside foot or instep appropriately — Yes / No
• Can kick to a target (3 of 5 attempts) — Yes / No
• Follows safety rules — Yes / No

Tips for teachers and parents

• Give short, clear instructions. Demonstrate once, then let children try.
• Praise effort: "Good kick!" or "Try again — that was better!"
• Use everyday materials as targets (small plastic bottles, shoes) if cones are not available.
• Adapt space and distance: shorter distance for smaller children, larger for taller ones.

"I can" statements for the child (Encourage these)

• I can kick the ball to my friend.
• I can aim at a cone and hit it.
• I can follow safety rules while playing.

Note: Use "mpira" (ball) examples common in Kenyan schools. Keep sessions short and fun for 7‑year‑olds.