How to Teach Track & Field in Early Childhood

Track & Field is one of those sports where every student can find a skill/event to love.  It teaches fundamental skills based on the principle of run, jump and throw and focuses on the gross motor skills that are so important to develop in Early Childhood.  Learn the skills involved in teaching Track & Field and give your class a top-notch, engaging P.E. session today.

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SKILLS

Running

- Running incorporates the following movements: speed,

   agility, acceleration, coordination, running a curve,

   running and jumping combinations, sprint slaloming
- Students eyes should be focused forward throughout

   the run
- Drive off ground with front part of foot
- Full extension of rear leg
- Knee drives forward
- Body leans slightly forward
- Arm drives towards the back
- Head and upper body are stable
- Smooth and rhythmical action
- Legs and feet move in a straight line
- Shoulders and hips are square

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Jumping

- Jumping incorporates the following skills: standing jumps, single

   and double foot take-offs, running jumps, scissor jumps, hopping,

   jumping for height and distance
- Students should focus on eyes focused forward
- Upright body position with flat back
- Contact ground with mid to flat foot and bend knees prior to take off
- Lift hips high on take off
- Forceful thrust of OPPOSITE arm as take off leg extends

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THROWING

- Throwing incorporates the following skills: one and two hand delivery, whole body throwing, underarm throwing, overarm throwing, throwing for distance, throwing for accuracy, rotational throwing, stepping and throwing
- Knees should be bent in all throwing events
- hips to rotate and waist to open towards the target
- Arm to follow through and be straight on output of object
- Back foot follows through with momentum of throw

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Any student can fall into one of these 3 events.  When done

correctly, Track & Field is a unit where you will see your

students engage, grow and achieve.  Have a look at the Early

Childhood PE Athletics Lessons Pack (click the link above).  You

will be fully equipped to teach a huge range of activities for

your grades K - 2 as well as have your hands on essential

lessons, assessments and more.