Collaboration, team work and healthy competition were the order of the day at the Zwelihle Sport’s Field recently with another action-packed Fun Day – this time with the Grade 3 learners.
The event, organised by two final year Occupational Therapy students from Stellenbosch University, Alison von Bulow and Laura Badenhorst, who are placed at the school, in its final clinical block (Community Interaction), is an opportunity for foundation-phase learners to participate in sport, play and develop gross motor skills. The event also provides an invaluable learning opportunity for the Grade 7 Learner Council and Resource class (LSEN learners) to play an active part in the planning and implementation of the Fun Day, in this way developing their leadership skills.
“As sport is not offered at foundation phase and play opportunities in the community are limited, an event such as this plays an important part in the development of learners’ gross motor skills,” Von Bulow explained.
“Gross and fine motor development are the foundation of successful academic development.”
The Grade 7 Learner Council members jump-started the activities by leading the Grade 3s in a rousing war cry, which set the scene for a morning of fun-filled sporting activities such as wheelbarrow and sack racing, a rock and spoon race, dribbling a soccer ball to other team members and frog jumping.
“Allowing the learners to enjoy themselves was all part of the day, as play is considered a child’s main occupation, however social interaction and teamwork were also aspects which were included in the program of events” said Badenhorst.
Each of the learners received a lucky packet and juice once the sporting activities had finished and the winning team, judged for their teamwork and cooperation, were rewarded with a cake sponsored by Gateway Spar.
“We are extremely grateful to all our generous sponsors who made the day possible – The Hermanus Senior Centre, Yorke Cash and Carry, Buco, Gateway Spar and for many other anonymous donations of goods and cash received.”