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What is the Games Sense
Approach
Games Sense (GS) is a learner-centered,
inquiry-based approach that promotes student
learning through games and sport (Light,
2013). It places greater focus on the students
understanding of the game and less focus on
the isolated techniques (Breed,& Spittle,
2011). The GS approach also includes open-
ended questions (How? and Why?) to further
develop the students higher-order thinking
skills in to P.E.
 What are the
Fundamental Movement
Skills (FMS)
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are
movement patterns, involving different parts of
the body. They are considered to be the
foundational blocks for more complex
movements (Pill, 2015) and form the basis of
physical literacy (Bloomfield, 2011). Examples
of FMS are throwing, catching, jumping,
kicking, striking and running.
 Why am I applying these
approaches to your childs
P.E. lessons?
The Game Sense approach is used in P.E. lessons to assist students in transitioning
from a skilled player to a tactical player by posing questions that require higher order
thinking skills. It further supports the development of technical skills and fosters the
transfer of these skills from one game to another (Breed & Spittle, 2011). Through the
use of small, modified games students are able to shift their focus from the technical
demands of a game to the game as a whole, which aids them in developing the
decision-making skills that are required to understand the game. Furthermore, Games
Sense incorporates physical, intellectual and social learning which highlights the
possibilities that different aspects of learning can occur through physical education
and reduces the gap between physical education and the academic curriculum (Curry,
2011). In terms of the Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) it is important to
incorporate these into a lesson so that students can develop confidence and
competence with the skills. In doing so, students will be better equipped to develop
the more sport-specific and complex movement skills Furthermore, as a result of
teaching these skills, students are more inclined to not only participate in sport and
physical activity but enjoy it also (National Coaching Certification Program , 2017).
 The strengths of
Games Sense
as a teaching approach
In relation to the NSW Board of Studies K-6 Syllabus, Game
Sense strengthens the P.E. teaching pedagogy as it enables
students to develop decision making and problem solving skills
which in turn, empowers students to take action of improving
their physical performance. Another strength of this approach,
is that it allows teachers to create an inclusive and enthusiastic
environment for all students (Tosevska, 2014).
Within this environment, significance is placed on the
acquisition of tactical skills within the game rather than
highlighting the best performing student. Therefore, teachers
are more likely to experience an incline in student participation
and involvement and a decline in students feeling embarrassed
or uncomfortable. Resulting in more positive P.E. experiences.
Continued
Furthermore, as students are challenged to think of different ways a
game could be modified or the types of rules that could be added, they
are not only addressing the Stage 3 decision making and problem solving
outcomes they are also meeting the communication (COS3.3) and
interaction (INS3.3) outcomes (Board of Studies, 2013.

Moreover, significant research has found that Games Sense encompasses

the constructivist approach of guided discovery. In doing teachers take
on the role of facilitator to create situations that give students that
opportunity to apply their decision-making skills and think about possible
solutions to the game. Subsequently, this approach creates an
environment that is suited to both learning and development. As such, it
is a beneficial strategy for teachers to use in establishing healthy,
positive relationships (IRS3.11) and promoting a sense of belonging
among all students within the classroom(Board of Studies, 2013) .
Please refer to the sources
below for further
information
Reference List:

Bloomfield, L. (2011). Complete Guide to Primary Gymnastics . Human Kinetics.

Board of Studies (2013).Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus. Sydney: Board of Studies, pp.1-60.

Breed, R., & Spittle , M. (2011). Developing Game Sense Through Tactical Learning: A resource for Teachers and Coaches. VIC:

Cambridge University Pres.

Curry, C. (2011). Using the Game Sense approach to deliver Quality Teaching in Physical Education. Sydney: Western Sydney

University.

Light, R. (2013). Game Sense: Pedagogy for Performance, Participation and Enjoyment. Oxon: Routledge.

National Coaching Certification Program . (2017). What are Fundamental Movement Skills? Retrieved May 11, 2017, from Coach

CA Reach Higher: http://www.coach.ca/fundamental-movement-skills-s16736

Pill, S. (2015). Play With Purpose: For Fundamental Movement Skills Teaching. Sydney : Australian Council for Health, Physical

Education and Recreation.

Tosevska, M. (2014, October 13). The Power of Game Sense. Retrieved May 11, 2017, from SlideShare: https://

www.slideshare.net/mtosevska/the-power-of-game-sense