Big Cuz and Little J are very excited that Sissy is coming to play with them over the weekend. They both see Sissy as their special friend. Big Cuz wants to play a ‘Sisters Only’ talent quest just for she and Sissy, and Little J plans an obstacle course for all to play. Eventually, Little J, Big Cuz and Sissy come together to test their skills on the obstacle course.

Explore - Practise fundamental movement skills and movement sequences using different body parts

Theme - GAMES

After viewing Little J & Big Cuz, Episode 13 ‘Big Plans’, engage students with the following activities to support their understanding about games and how mathematics contributes to sequencing movement skills.

Focus students’ attention on how Little J and Sissy counted throughout their race which helped them coordinate their movements. Have students pose and respond to questions about how the numbers in a count relate to the timing of the race steps. Have the students suggest other learning areas that use timing and number counting, such as music and dance.

At the start and end of each session, conduct warm up and cool down stretches.

• Quick Warm-ups without equipment (PDF)
• Fitness for Kids - Warm-Up Routine (video)
• Warm Ups & Cool Downs for Children

Timing and counting games

Set up an area for students to participate in and practise their timing skills. Access the resource, Sports Themed Learning Games!, which has a lot of simple but fun ideas.

Other games that require timing and counting include (old fashioned) ball games, such as Poison ball, Captain/Leader ball and Tunnel ball. Suggested ball game skill resources

• Games incorporating the development of ball skills (DOC)
• Ball or outdoor games (PDF)

Ask the class to evaluate the type of counting and timing skills they need in order to play the games, and ensure that students count out loud. Encourage students to also count in Aboriginal language and/or Torres Strait Islander language.

Suggested resources:

• Indigenous Numbers (PDF), Indigenous Language Wordlists, State Library of Queensland
• Count to 10 in Gomeroi
• Learn to count in Kaurna!,

Aboriginal games and /or Torres Strait Islander games

Introduce students to a selection of Aboriginal games and /or Torres Strait Islander games that enhance cooperation, team work, and trust, available in Yulunga, Yulunga Traditional Indigenous Games (PDF)

In particular, try these games that are suitable for lower primary students:

• Yulunga: Borna jokee (PDF)
• Yulunga: Kai wed (PDF)
• Yulunga: ChubooChuboo (PDF)
• Yulunga: Keentan (PDF)

Have students evaluate their participation and which games required more concentration for counting and sequencing steps, and which games relied more on teamwork and cooperation.

Invite students to work in groups to invent their own game/s incorporating the skills and strategies of two or more traditional Aboriginal games and/or Torres Strait Islander games.