Lesson Plan: Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Sport - Esgrima

Grade Level: Third Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Desired Outcome: I am developing the skills to lead and recognize strengths of group members, including myself. I contribute to groups and teams through my knowledge of individual strengths, group tactics, and strategies.

Focus: Esgrima (Fencing)

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Materials Needed: - Fencing equipment (masks, foils, gloves, and jackets) - Cones or markers to create a playing area - Whiteboard or flipchart - Markers or chalk - Stopwatch or timer

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (5 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they are familiar with the sport of Esgrima (Fencing). Allow for a brief discussion and encourage students to share any prior knowledge or experiences they may have had with the sport.

Warm-up Activity (10 minutes): 2. Conduct a dynamic warm-up to prepare students for physical activity. Include exercises such as jogging, jumping jacks, high knees, and arm circles. Emphasize the importance of warming up before engaging in any physical activity.

Skill Development (20 minutes): 3. Explain the basic rules and techniques of Esgrima, focusing on the foil discipline. Use visual aids, such as diagrams or videos, to help students understand the concepts. - Explain the target areas (torso, back, and groin) and the scoring system. - Demonstrate the proper stance, footwork, and hand positions. - Teach the basic attacks (thrust, lunge) and defensive moves (parry, counterattack).

1. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific skill to practice. Rotate the groups after a set time to ensure all students have an opportunity to practice each skill.
   • Group 1: Stance and footwork
   • Group 2: Attacks (thrust and lunge)
   • Group 3: Defensive moves (parry and counterattack)
2. Provide individual feedback and guidance to students as they practice their assigned skills. Encourage them to support and help each other within their groups.

Application and Game (20 minutes): 6. Set up a small playing area using cones or markers. Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair a side of the playing area.

1. Explain the objective of the game: Each pair must try to score points by successfully landing a valid attack on their opponent’s target area while defending against their opponent’s attacks.

2. Allow students to play several rounds of the game, rotating partners after each round. Encourage them to apply the skills they have learned and to communicate and strategize with their partners.

Cool-down and Reflection (5 minutes): 9. Lead the class in a cool-down activity, such as stretching exercises, to gradually lower their heart rate and prevent muscle soreness.

1. Gather the students together and facilitate a brief reflection on the lesson’s desired outcome. Ask students to share how they demonstrated leadership, recognized strengths in themselves and others, and contributed to their groups or teams during the Esgrima activity.

2. Summarize the key points of the lesson and remind students of the importance of teamwork, communication, and recognizing individual strengths in achieving success in physical activities and sports.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during the warm-up, skill development, and game. - Provide feedback on students’ technique and application of skills during the practice sessions and game. - Assess students’ ability to recognize and utilize individual strengths within their groups or teams. - Encourage self-reflection and peer feedback to promote continuous improvement.