Effectiveness of implementation
The children met numbers of objectives. During practice involving swing of the arm over the ear and throwing bean bags to hit targets on hula hoops, some children followed the proper techniques while others did not. First, some failed to swing their arm to their ear level. Second, the children were also unable to throw the bean bag into the targeted hula hoops successfully. Luckily the children were able to count the total number of the score each had. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I also included other strategies such as open-ended questions, storyline involvement, a song, and games.
Successes, challenges and suggestions for improvement
I began by demonstrating how to swing an arm for both right-handed and left-handed children. Besides, I used verbal cues such as “step’, swing, throw, ‘point’ and visual cue such as footprints to help the children to master the kind of movement I was making. I monitored each child performance and invited the best to come and demonstrate to the others. To identify their different capabilities, I placed hula hoops in different distances and asked them to choose the target they were comfortable with. Throughout the lesson, I gave them time for open-ended questions. To make the game memorable and enjoyable, we performed it as a game, a storyline and a song.
The children followed the instructions thoroughly. They asked questions to get clarity on certain things they learnt during practice. They showed excitement they were singing out loud as they threw the beanbag into hula hoops. I found it hard to demonstrate how to throw a bean bag to the farthest hula troop, showing that distant targets are not suitable for the children. I should always put into consideration the children capabilities in achieving specific objectives.
Next time, I should create more time to ensure children participate in the making of footprints, setting up of hula hoops, carrying the bean bags for them to learn how to arrange them accordingly. I should teach them how to clean up when they make a mess. I needed to plan how the activities should follow each other to save time and avoid confusing the children.
Throughout the lesson, teacher-talk consumed time, and the children only had time to practice the skill. I learnt that I should work on the planning of the lesson to have clear guidelines, improve on giving clear and concise instructions.
At the end of practice, I told the children that they only had one chance, but considered those who had no animal card for another chance. I should think carefully before delivering the messages next time. Moreover, I should pay attention to children’s requests. For example, “teacher can we have another chance”. I should respond to their demands “Yes, you will have another chance”.
I should always give feedback on each child performance. Instead of keeping reminding the children to use proper techniques, probably I should include child’s name like, “Child A you are supposed to raise your arm higher”. I should also appreciate them when they practice well such as “Child B you did a great job on your arm swing” so that the children would know who performed great, who played wrong and how to improve. I should plan my time correctly, to accommodate both cool-down activity and the recap section.