A Smart Moves friendly resource for Queensland primary school teachers Developed by AFL Queensland AFL QUEENSLAND A Smart Moves friendly resource for Queensland primary school teachers Developed by AFL Queensland Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 04 ᕡ Rationale ............................................................................................................................................. 06 ᕢ Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 10 ᕣ Activities .............................................................................................................................................. 12 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AFL Queensland would like to acknowledge the following people and organisations in the production of this resource. University of Queensland, Human Movement Studies Dr Louise McCuaig (lecturer – health and physical education) and Sue Monsen (associate lecturer health and physical education) Australian Football League Dean Warren (community development manager) and Mark Riddiford (national schools programs manager) Australian Football League – Queensland Brad Reid (game development operations manager) and Dean McClare (state coaching and training manager) Brisbane Lions Football Club Gold Coast Football Club Parklands High School – St Michaels College Rick Vandendriest, Belinda Milbourne and Susan Cannell The Slattery Media Group Penny McVey (senior account manager) Paul Vizzari (designer/illustrator) Ben Collins (editor) Reviewers Ben Milbourne, Mark Riddiford, Louise McCuaig, Sue Monson, Josh Vanderloo, Lawrie Woodman, Carly Perry, Grant Milbourne. Project Manager Ben Milbourne AFL Queensland – Fundamental Movers 3 INTRODUCTION Introduction As an Australian icon, the AFL understands the importance of an active Australia and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among not only those who play the game, but more importantly young Australians. In a climate of increasing concern regarding the fi nancial and social impact of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and certain cancers, the benefi ts of a healthy lifestyle are far reaching. Queensland researchers have recommended that interventions to promote nutrition, physical activity and healthy weight must begin early in life to help parents and carers raise healthy children and young people (Abbott et al, 2008). Schools and teachers can play a signifi cant role in this project when they are provided with support and resources that facilitate the integration of daily physical activity into the learning experiences of their classrooms. AFL Queensland has designed the FUNdamental Movers resource to assist teachers in their endeavours to promote the health and well-being of young people. IN THE CLASSROOM Educators have increasingly acknowledged the positive infl uence of physical activity on student learning. Research has identifi ed a diverse range of physical, cognitive and emotional benefi ts of physical activity on students’ performance at school. In one study, people who completed 30 minutes of exercise, two to three times per week for 12 weeks, got higher scores on memory tests than people who didn’t exercise. When the exercisers stopped training, their scores dropped back to normal. Another scientifi c investigation found that students who regularly participated in vigorous physical activities like Australian football got better marks for mathematics, science, English and SOSE than their classmates. 4 AFL Queensland – Fundamental Movers BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Providing young people with regular opportunities to participate in school-based physical activity can also contribute to their health and well-being beyond the classroom. Recent studies have identifi ed the following benefi ts of physical activity for young people’s health: p Children who are physically active are less likely to be overweight. p Children who engage in weight-bearing activities develop greater bone density and better skeletal health. p Physically active children are more likely to have a higher self-esteem, more positive body image and suffer less stress and anxiety. p Learning by doing at an early age is fundamental to the quality of skill acquisition. The best time to begin teaching motor skills fundamental to a physically active lifestyle is in the pre-primary and primary years, especially in the ‘years of readiness’ from age 5-7 years. (Source: Abbott RA, Macdonald, D, Stubbs CO, Lee AJ, Haprer C, Davies PSW, 2008). As this evidence suggests, it is vitally important that young people form good habits and positive feelings towards leading active and healthy lifestyles, and parents and teachers are crucial in establishing these good habits. AFL Queensland is aware of the huge infl uence that teachers have on their students and the ability they have to nurture and stimulate healthy living practices among the next generation of Australians. Daily activity and understanding of diet and nutrition should be features of every classroom in Australia. In response to the Queensland Government’s Smart Moves policy, AFL Queensland has developed this resource of comprising of 30 x 30-minute activities for Grades 1 to 7. These physical activities have been chosen on the basis of their capacity to develop and enhance students’ physical fi tness (Fitness), fundamental movement skills (Feet and Hands), understanding of teamwork (Field Play) and personal and interpersonal skills (Fun and Friendship). Additionally, each activity endeavours to provide the primary school teacher with an opportunity to integrate physical activity into units of work addressing a range of Key Learning Areas and their Essential Learnings. AFL Queensland has consulted with educators from Education Queensland and The University of Queensland in order to provide a resource that can enhance primary school teachers’ confi dence and capacity to meet the 30 minutes of daily physical activity. AFL Queensland – Fundamental Movers 5 RATIONALE Rationale AFL Queensland understands the importance of linking this resource to existing education policy through the Essential Learnings and the six components of the Queensland Government’s ‘Smart Moves’ Initiative. ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS Essential Learnings identify what should be taught, and also describe the ways of working and knowledge and understanding that students need for ongoing learning, social and personal competence, and participation in a democratic society. WAYS OF WORKING (WOW) FOCUSES: p Propose, justify, implement and monitor plans or actions to promote health and well-being, movement capacities and personal development. p Create and perform movement sequences through modifying and combining movement skills and applying movement concepts. p Refl ect on and identify the impact of diverse infl uences on health and well being, movement capacities and personal development, including the best use of positive infl uences. p Refl ect on learning, apply new understandings and identify future applications. Specifi c knowledge and understanding to be taught/learnt through AFL FUNdamentals: p Health – Individuals, groups and communities act on the advice in health promotion campaigns to promote health and well-being, including safety, and contribute to management of health risks. p Physical Activity – Regular participation in physical activity can enhance cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, fl exibility, health and well-being. p Personal Development – Assuming roles and responsibilities, experiencing leadership opportunities, respecting cultural protocols and differences and working well with others, developing positive identity and self-esteem. 6 AFL Queensland – Fundamental Movers SIX KEY COMPONENTS RELATIONSHIP TO AFL’S FUNDAMENTALS Allocate required time for physical activity Through Fundamental Movers, AFL Queensland has developed 30 separate 30-minute activities that can be incorporated into Smart Moves programme. Improve access to resources for physical activity AFL Queensland’s development of this resource provides teachers with 30 separate Smart Moves lessons, along with professional development designed to improve the school’s best resource – the ability of its teachers to deliver physical activity. An equipment resources kit can be purchased through Harts Sports. Increase capacity to deliver physical activity AFL Queensland will provide school leaders and teachers with the opportunity to be involved in professional development sessions. These sessions will enhance the classroom teacher’s ability to deliver a meaningful and quality Smart Moves lesson. AFL Queensland will also continue to offer support and mentoring opportunities. Provide professional development in physical activity The FUNdamental Movers programme is partnered with a one-hour professional development component delivered by our trained school development offi cers. Build community partnerships to enhance physical activity AFL Queensland, through its state coaching and training manager, schools programs manager and schools development offi cers, will continue to promote signifi cant links with school clusters, principals, Smart Moves coordinators and teachers by providing professional development opportunities, mentoring programmes, Australian Football programs and competitions, and coaching clinics. Be accountable for physical activity The resource