Resource 3: Using games and physical exercise
Background information / subject knowledge for teacher
Physical exercise serves many functions. As we know, it helps children build up their strength and fitness. But it can also help pupils to develop social, creative and leadership skills. It can help pupils make friends and learn new things, and it contributes to their emotional well-being.
Think about the range of different physical games and exercises there are:
- sports e.g. football and basketball;
- play e.g. skipping, dancing, tag and billiards;
- word and number games e.g. singing, rhymes.
Children will automatically invent and play games with each other and you can exploit this as part of your teaching.
The use of physical games and exercises as part of your teaching can encourage pupils to enjoy learning, and so develop a greater interest in coming to school.
By using physical games as part of your teaching, you will also encourage pupils to learn new skills and behaviour patterns.
These can include:
- collaborative learning;
- thinking skills;
- sharing resources and taking turns;
- motivation and involvement in learning.
All of these are attributes you should encourage in the classroom, as they will contribute to more effective learning.
Footballs can be made from local materials such as banana fibres, papyrus reeds, etc. Skipping rope can also be made from banana fibres.
Rwandan Rugby
Rugby is a growing sport in Rwanda, especially for girls. Below is a charity in the UK that helps support Rwandan schools develop rugby.
Friends of Rwandan Rugby
Friends of Rwandan Rugby (FoRR) is a newly established UK-based charity that aims to bring the game of rugby to Rwanda, specifically in rural communities and schools. FoRR is run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers, including public sector and charity sector staff, rugby enthusiasts and VSO volunteers. They also enjoy the support of Jason Leonard, Raphael Ibanez, Jo Yapp and Trevor Leota. FoRR’s mission is to support the development of rugby in Rwanda, through funding and awareness raising in the UK.
Address: 20 Baronsmead Rd, Barnes, London, SW13 9RR, UK
Tel: + 00 44 7966 319056
email: info@friendsofrwandanrugby.org [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
Angelique Nzabanita
One of Rwanda’s best female rugby players.
‘I just love the game and the way it's played. I also like the fact that it improves one's strength levels and fitness. Most importantly, one gets to meet more people, get friends and exposure.’
Achievements
- Angelique was top scorer in the CAR Women’s Rugby 7s tournament held in Kampala on 24 June 2006.
- Angelique was voted ‘Most Valuable Player’ in April 2006 in the second edition of the Kyadondo Women's tournament.
Resource 2: Planning ways to introduce the four principles of physical development
