Curriculum Expectations
7.1, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3
See the Kindergarten Program 2016 for details on the specific expectations.
Activity Learning Goals
By the end of the activity children will be able to:
- demonstrate persistence while engaged in activities that require the use of both large and small muscles
- demonstrate spatial awareness
- demonstrate control of large muscles with equipment
- demonstrate hand-eye coordination in movement
Equipment
- Variety of low-impact balls of different sizes and colours (one per child)
- Bowling pins or pylons (one per child)
Safety
Inspect activity area for safe traction and eliminate potential hazards. Clearly outline the boundaries for the activity making sure there is a safe distance between the activity area and the furniture/walls. Remind children to be cautious when moving, and to be aware of personal space.
Assessment Opportunity
EL-K Team observation of children’s demonstrated application of persistence, spatial awareness and muscle control can be recorded on the Anecdotal Recording Chart.
Rolling for Accuracy
Children select their own ball and bowling pin or pylon. Children will set up their own bowling pin, a meter away, and roll the ball toward it, attempting to knock the pin over. Children are to experiment with different ways of rolling the ball. Continue this activity, increasing the distance between the child and bowling pin as proficiency increases.
Animal Feeders
Half of the children are scattered on one side of the gymnasium, pretending to be animals. They can make an animal shape but cannot move until they are fed. Children on the other side of the gymnasium each have a soft ball. These children, the animal feeders, roll the ball towards the animals. When a ball reaches an animal, the animal makes their sound, then moves like their animal across the gymnasium to become an animal feeder. The animal feeder trades places and becomes an animal.
Notes to EL-K Team
- Reinforce safety rules, such as: move in your own space, keep your eyes open.
- Remind children to move carefully without bumping into each other thereby reinforcing the concept of spatial awareness.
- Remind children to keep their eye on their target (bowling pin).
- If bowling pins are not available, use small pylons, beanbags or blocks as targets.
Connection Questions to Expand and Enhance Play
- What can you do if you are not successful at knocking over the pylon on the first try?
- Why is it important to keep trying if you aren’t successful the first time?
- Why is it important to move in your own space, away from others?