Game Sense

Do you remember doing PE

at school? To develop one of the twelve fundamental movement skills (FMS), such as

catching, kicking, hopping and skipping your teacher made you do drills.

You were probably put into pairs,

and made to throw a ball at each other like this.

Do you remember relay races , and waiting for your turn to run with the batton?

PE activities got you moving, but two important components were missing -

Game Sense and…

But what is Game Sense,and why was it developed?

Game Sense is a teaching approach that enables the development of skills within a game environment

rather than focusing on developing isolated techniques (Light, 2013).

This new way of teaching was developed by David Brunker and Rob Thorpe in 1982 who realized that

good technique did not necessarily equate to good games players.

It was also observed that students lacked motivation when asked to do repetitive movements leading to the creation of Game Sense which is a learner centered

approach to teaching sport and PE (Light,2013).

“Player-centered experiences are activities which are player driven, enable player empowerment in the decision-making process, foster

player ownership of the learning, are inclusive, promote player creativity and experimentation, and are matched to the players'

needs and abilities” (Davies, 2010).

Using space and equipment appropriate to the learner’s stage of development is also a consideration for teachers using Game Sense as a

teaching method.

The Game Sense Focus

• Maximum Participation This helps with maintaining your child’s interest as there

is no waiting for their turn. Games are developed with your child’s participation in mind.

• Problem Solving and Decision- making

Student feedback is encouraged and

games tailored to suit the child’s level of

development and autonomy.

A game’s rules can be modified and student initiative encouraged.

• Stimulating players to reach their potential

• Fosters integrity and fair play

The game environment requires students

to play by the rules and encourages

positive social interaction.

What will Game Sense do?

Develop your

child’s

fundamental

movement skills

(FMS)

Challenge and

prepare your

child mentally

Lets them have fun

while they are learning

Using Game Sense will help your child foster positive relationships with others. They will learn to

listen and respond to others in a positive and encouraging way.

I will be using the Game Sense pedagogy to achieve outcomes that are in line

with the NSW Board of Studies Personal Development, Health and Physical

Education K-6 Syllabus (2007).

Problem Solving is a pivotal part of participating in a game environment. I will encourage your child to

suggest solutions to problems.

Outcomes for Year 1 Purple

Please view the lesson plan for Bean Bags and Bunnies created by Larkins (2008) as an example of the type of game that will be played in class.

Your child will master repetitive movements to form

a sequence, such as;

Using imagery during warm-ups and games your child’s individual creativity is

encouraged.

Slither like a snake

Game Sense is not only fun, it enhances your child’s development and sense of wellbeing.

Year one is a special time for your child as they are beginning to form their own identities.

Game sense will help your child to stay healthy, have a positive outlook and develop the ability to make moral judgments.

Participating in physical activities at a young age and having positive Physical

Education experiences at school will encourage your child to lead a healthy

lifestyle well into adulthood.

References

Davies, Nigel. (2010). Player-Centered Coaching: Enhancing Player Game Sense. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators 24(2), 24-28.

Larkins, P. (2008). Lesson Plan: Beanbugs and Bunnies. Schoolsnet. Retrieved from http://www.schoolsnet.com/pls/hot_school/sn_primary.page_pls_resource_detail?x=16180339&p_re s_id=1051

Light, R. (2013). Game Sense : Pedagogy for Performance, Participation and Enjoyment. New York, NY: Routledge.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6. (2007). Sydney, NSW: Board of Studies.