Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Stradle And Stradle Cross – Skier Notes
Physical & Health Education — Straddle and Straddle Cross
Subtopic: Skier (age 10, Kenyan primary school)
- By the end of the lesson, learners will demonstrate a safe warm-up and show improved balance and coordination.
- Learners will perform a correct straddle position and a controlled straddle jump on flat ground or a mat.
- Learners will attempt a straddle cross (straddle to cross-leg movement) with safe landing technique.
- Learners will perform the Skier movement (alternate leg/arm action) to improve rhythm and endurance.
- Learners will explain two safety rules and choose correct equipment for practice.
Notes for teachers and learners: A straddle is when the legs are spread apart sideways. A straddle jump opens legs in the air. A straddle cross is a controlled movement from straddle position that finishes with legs crossed or partially crossed before landing. The Skier activity is a simple, fun drill that imitates skiing and helps with balance and coordination — good for school fields or hallways.
- Warm-up first: jog, high knees, ankle rolls and gentle stretches (5–8 minutes).
- Straddle position: "Sit tall, legs wide like a book open, toes pointing up."
- Straddle jump: "Bend knees, swing arms, jump, legs wide, land softly on bent knees."
- Straddle cross (progression): start with small hops — from straddle bring legs toward centre and cross one foot in front; practise slowly and land with bent knees.
- Skier movement: "Knees bent, lean slightly forward, hop side-to-side or march with arm swing like you are skiing."
- Always bend knees on landing; keep eyes forward; control movements, not speed.
- Warm-up (8 min): Light jog around the field, dynamic stretches (leg swings, hip circles), ankle mobility.
- Demonstration (5 min): Teacher shows straddle standing, straddle jump and a slow straddle cross. Use simple language and show common mistakes.
- Drill Station 1 — Straddle practice (8–10 min): On grass or mat, pupils practise straddle position and seated straddle stretches to increase hip flexibility.
- Drill Station 2 — Straddle jumps (8–10 min): Small jumps in place, progress to forward straddle jumps. Use cones spaced 2–3 m apart for straight line jumps.
- Drill Station 3 — Straddle cross progressions (8–10 min): Start with small hops bringing feet together, then practise crossing one foot in front on landing. Teach slowly and use lines on the ground for guidance.
- Skier relay game (10–12 min): Divide class into teams. Pupils do a skier hop or ski-march to cone and back, tag next teammate. Encourage steady rhythm and safe landings.
- Cool-down & reflection (5–7 min): Gentle walking, stretching. Ask learners to name one safety rule and one thing they did well.
- Use grass, mats or a non-slip surface. Clear stones, bottles and obstacles.
- Pupils should wear proper shoes (trainers) and loose sports clothes.
- Teacher to check group size so everyone has enough room (at least 1.5–2 m between pupils during jumps).
- Encourage soft landings on bent knees; stop if someone feels pain.
Use ticks for each pupil during practice:
- Warm-up completed safely.
- Shows correct straddle position.
- Performs straddle jump with controlled landing.
- Attempts straddle cross with some control.
- Shows good rhythm during Skier drill.
- Less confident pupils: start from seated straddle stretches and small hops.
- More able pupils: add a short forward straddle jump sequence or time trials in the skier relay.
These activities suit school grounds, the tarmac playground or a hall. Use local resources: chalk to mark lines, cones made from jerrycan halves, or ropes for lanes. Group pupils by class stream or mixed-ability groups to promote co-operation.
"Warm up well. Watch me — knees bend, arms help the jump. On the count 1-2-jump, open legs wide and land softly. For the skier: bend the knees, swing arms, and move side to side like skiing. Keep control, not speed."