Principles of Games

It was an eye-opening experience and beneficial module for me. 

As a student myself, concepts in PE (i.e. Games Concept Approach (GCA), Teaching Game for Understanding (TGFU) were never being introduced to me at such a detailed level. I thought PE was all about games, running around,  catching one another, and maybe some common sense. It was only in NIE where I learnt about these important concepts.

We were taught about the basics of the individual, space, shapes, locomotion, and pathways. All of it was an eye opener! I’d never thought that PE could be so complicated. 

Subsequently, we learn about the different categories of games.

In general, games are grouped into 4 categories:

- Invasion (Football, Rugby, Netball)

- Net/Wall (Tennis, Volleyball, Badminton)

- Fielding (Softball, Cricket, Rounders)

- Target (Archery, Shooting, Golf)

Target games, though not included in the syllabus, are a means for children to hone their games skills. Taking for example, placing a target on the wall, and using only the skill of overhead throwing to throw a ball. That would be a target game, There are concepts to be learnt in target games, to improve accuracy and even strategy for games like Bocce. For the most part, Target games involve the individual and the environment, and require concentration and thinking.

Fielding games like baseball and cricket are usually a challenge to teach. When attempting to teach the roles of fielding, the waiting time tends to cause a wavering of attention and eventually lose engagement of students. Hence the need to create game-like situations involving all students and allow for maximum participation.

Net/wall games are more commonly played in Singapore with readily available facilities for sports like Badminton and Tennis. Such games do not require much space and not as many players.

Finally, there’s invasion games, providing excitement and engagement. Almost everyone is involved, regardless of the roles. Though invasion games tend to viewed as 'dangerous' due to bodily contact, primary school children can be taught to emphasize on safety, personal spaces, compassion and fair-play during these games.