Game Sense!!!

Hello Parents of 4M. I, Miss Mills, would like to invite you learn about Game Sense

and why it is used in our PE classes…

What is Game Sense?

Game sense is about more than just the physical side of PE. In

fact, it’s about the thinking processes (Pill, 2016).

Game sense uses physical, intellectual and social skills.

Game sense is the term that we use in Australia. It is know in

other places as Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU).

We use Game Sense because it gives students the opportunity to change the

way the game works. YES! Students have the power to change the game!

We adjust the games and negotiate rules to make the games enjoyable and fair to

everyone in the class. The number one rule in our class is that

everyone gets a fair go and has fun!

Students are able to recreate the games we all know and love to fit their own abilities.

Using Game Sense make your child’s learning experience ‘student-centred’ (Light, 2013).

They are creating their own learning experiences. I will always be around to help. Students are not getting direct instruction.

Students are analysing the situation themselves and will be adjusting according to

their needs (FACHPER, 2011).

We like to use Game Sense in activities such as:

Soccer, Oz Tag and Ultimate Frisbee.These games are called Invasion Games.

Game Sense is used because these games require technique and strategy.

Invasion Games are a great way for your children to learn how to work as a team and use high levelled mental processes. Students

are making decisions whilst defending territory and playing against an opposing team.

And most of all, Invasion Games can be really fun and engaging!

Reasons Why I Think Game Sense is Important in PE…

• Game Sense makes PE Challenging and Fun!• Students are taking control of their own learning. It is student centred!

• Students gain an understanding of their own skills and capabilities.• Even if the technique is wrong in the traditional sense of playing these

games, it might work for the game the students are playing.• Students are engaging in physical activity and are developing relationships

with their classmates. • Students are developing critical thinking skills through negotiation, decision

making, communication and social interaction.• There is no such thing as a mistake. Students will figure out how to fix the

situation if required.• They are still working under my guidance. I will always be around to help.

Here’s how Game Sense links to the NSW PDHPE Syllabus:

NSW, Board of Studies. Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus (2007).Retrieved September 28, 2016 from:

https://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/330e5ccb-782a-432b-8ce5-122a8c42967e/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

p. 15

p. 23

p. 25

Using Game Sense in your child’s PE Lessons is

important because it relates to many of the ideas that are covered in the PDHPE

Syllabus. It is based around the student’s learning

experience. Students are always excited to tell me the rules and strategies

they came up with to make the game exciting.

Students love using Game Sense as much as me.

References

FACHPER, S. P. B. P. M. (2011). Teacher engagement with teaching games

for understanding game sense in physical education. Journal of

Physical Education and Sport, 11(2), 115.

Light, R. (2013). Game sense for physical education and sport coaching.

In Game sense: Pedagogy for performance, participation and

enjoyment (pp. 37-47). London, UK: Routledge.

New South Wales, Board of Studies (2007) Personal Development, Health

and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus.

Pill, S. (2016). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in

physical education. Sport, Education and Society, 21(2), 279-297.