Skill Theme Model

Teachers employing the Skill Theme approach focus on helping children become skillful movers so that they can successfully participate in physical activities. The primary goal is to develop competency in basic motor skills and confidence to try and enjoy a variety of sports and physical activities

Movement Analysis Framework Focus Skill acquisition Movement control principles Major components Space awareness Effort Relationships

Movement Analysis Framework: The Wheel

The “Wheel” shows how the Skill Themes and Movement Concepts can work together and are interrelated Early elementary focus should be on addressing movement concepts while practicing skill themes Later elementary years focus should be on the learning and quality of the skill themes themselves

Movement Concepts in Physical Education Space Awareness (where the body moves) • Location • Directions • Levels • Pathways • Extensions Effort (how the body moves)  • Time • Force • Flow Relationships (with whom, or what the body moves)  • Of body parts • With objects and/or people • With people

Skill Themes in Physical Education Locomotor Skills • Walking • Running • Hopping • Skipping • Galloping • Sliding • Chasing, fleeing, and dodging   Nonmanipulative Skills • Turning • Twisting • Rolling • Balancing • Transferring weight • Jumping and landing • Stretching • Curling Manipulative Skills • Throwing • Catching and collecting • Kicking • Punting • Dribbling • Volleying • Striking with rackets • Striking with long-handed implements and paddles

Themes & Concepts Skills are action verbs Concept are adverbs Where How Alone or with others With or without equipment

Teaching by Skill Themes Developmental levels: precontrol, control,utilization,proficiency Teach with movement concepts or skill themes Combine skills and concepts Transition to application in small-sided tasks, use challenges to maintain motivation, use cues to refine movement

Progression Spiral PUNTING Playing Punt Over Punting while traveling Proficiency Level Playing Punt Over Punting while traveling Receiving and punting against opponents Utilization Level Playing rush the circle Punting within a limited time Receiving a pass, then punting Punting to a partner Punting at angles Control Level Punting for height Punting for accuracy Using punting zones Punting for distance Punting different types of balls Punting with an approach Punting over low ropes Punting for consistency Precontrol Level Dropping and punting Dropping, bouncing, and kicking lightweight balls

Progression Spiral graphically represents: How content progresses from easiest to hardest, less to more complex Progression from pre-control to proficiency level How people may vary in their level of performance on a specific skill theme according to the context of the task.

Alternative Assessment Options for Skill Theme Model Teacher observation Exit (or entrance) slips Student journals Homework Peer observation Self-assessment Event tasks Videotaping Student drawings Student displays Portfolios

Emphasis of Standards within Skill Theme Approach 1. Demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Major 2. Demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities. 3. Participates regularly in physical activity. Minor 4. Achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. 5. Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings. 6. Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction. Reference:  Moving into the Future: National Standards for Physical Education, 2nd ed. (2004), p. 11

Planning the Theme Select skill Progression Planning for teaching Task analysis Brainstorm ideas Progression Essential to skill acquisition Planning for teaching Exit goals

Big Picture Yearly curriculum plan Guides planning questions Establishes skills for the year Guides planning questions Identify standards to address Individual skill theme plan