My PDHPE Slideshow

1. Game Sense Approach to
Physical Education
Why does our class use this teaching approach?
It's fun!
It includes everyone
Contributes positively to our wellbeing
We get to socially interact together

2. What is a Game Sense
Approach?
Game Sense is an exciting and innovative way of social constructivism theory and understanding to teach
coaching and physical education (PE) that focuses on games for learning (Light, 2013). It has a strong
emphasis on social dimensions like social interaction and collaborative problem-solving and collective
thinking (Light, 2013).
It includes students developing a more in-depth understanding of sport and physical activity
through involving all players and fostering discussion and interaction through problem-solving and tactical
awareness while having fun during the game (Light, 2013).
Teachers observe students when participating and actively refine skills and techniques used during the
game where appropriate and recognized and/or there is a need for it (Pearson, Towns, Webb,
& Rowland, 2004).
Game Sense Approach can be categoried into Four Areas:
Invasion Games: Oz tag, Frizbee, Soccer
Striking and Fielding Games: Cricket or Baseball
Target Games: Golf or bowling
Court and Net Games: Tennis or volleyball

3. More about Game Sense
Game Sense allows teachers to teach fundamental movement skills such as the 12 basic
motor skills and then question and challenge it e.g., two handed strike, static
balance, sprint run, vertical leap, side gallop, hop, leap, skip, dodge, catch kick over arm
throw.
After these skills are developed, teachers can question and modify the game in a way
that is challenging by asking questions like:
How to progress in the task?
How to do the task?
However Game Sense is different than Fundamental skills in that they are taught before
the game is played and Game Sense is in and through modified games (Light, 2013).
Warm up
Initial game
Questioning
& Challenge
Practice
Cool down
Game Sense Teaching Sequence

4. Why is it important?
Frequently asked questions
How is it used in our class?
What are the strengths of this approach to PE?

5. Why Miss Prakash’s PDHPE class
uses a Game Sense Approach?
In our class we use a Game Sense Approach for teaching physical education for the
many positive factors but what is most important is because this teaching approach
focuses on including all students to play in a team and allows players to interact with
each other. There is also verbal communication used in team discussions which is
central to the learning process in Game Sense (Light, 2013). These opportunities to be
involved in games fosters valuable opportunities for the development of social skills
such as interpersonal relationships, empathy and understanding (Light, 2008, 2013).
Not only does the rationale of Game Sense focus on inclusiveness but it also allows
students to have fun while playing games which leads to a children having happy,
healthy and fulfilling lives (Pearson et al., 2004).

6. How Game Sense is used in class
PE Miss Prakash's lessons?
In my lessons my goal is to develop children who can play the whole game and where skills
and techniques take place throughout playing. I address areas of improvement clearly with
using the ‘Freeze!’ cue to refine areas and make changes such as in a game of basketball, I
might ask questions like: ‘what sort of pass do you need to throw if your partner is close to
you?, or once you have passed the ball where should you move to?’. Since my class has 30
students, we normally split into 3 groups, one non-playing group observes the opponents
and discusses tactics and team strategies or practises while waiting (Light, 2013). I enjoy using
Game Sense in PE because it is very different from traditional technical approaches that focus on mastery
of skills outside of the game.

7. Links to the NSW Syllabus K-6
– Skills Outcome:
– COS2.1 - Communicating
– DMS2.2 - Decision making
– INS2.3 - Interacting
– PSS2.5 - Problem solving
– Knowledge and Understanding Outcomes:
– GSS2.8 - Games and Sports: Participates and uses equipment in a variety of games
and modified sports
– IRS2.11 - Describes how relationships with a range of people enhance wellbeing.

8. References
Light, R. (2008). Sport in the Lives of Young Australians. Sydney University Press. Retrieved from: https://books.google.com.au/
Light, R. (2013). Game Sense: pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
NSW, Board of Studies, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus. (2007). Retrieved
from: http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/pdhpe/pdhpe-k-6-syllabus
Pearson, P. J., Towns, J., Rowland, G. S., & Webb, P. I. (2004). Game sense online-utilising the web for the professional development of
physical and health education teachers. Retrieved from: https://ro.uow.edu.au