Ready Positions

All physical activity begins with the participant’s body in a particular position or alignment. In the Being Physically Active Series Resources these positions are referred to as Ready Positions.

Each of the Ready Positions has been given a simple name for ease of recognition by students. Teachers can enhance their class organisation and management by using Ready Positions as ‘teaching tools’.

Encourage students to learn and practise each of these Ready Positions, as teaching and learning movement terminology is an important aspect of Physical Activity Education. Teachers should emphasise, encourage and praise correct posture, and strive to eliminate undesirable posture.

Stand Tall

Stand balanced, with feet comfortably spread apart, arms at the sides, hands relaxed, head up and eyes looking forward.

Wide Sit

Sit with legs wide apart and outstretched and lean back on palms of hands for support.

Formations

A variety of formations are used when engaging students in physical activity Learning Experiences. Many of these Formations can also be used as effective class organisation and management tools whether in an outdoor or indoor environment.

In this section, several activity Formations are described and illustrated. As for the Ready Positions, these activity Formations have been given a simple name for ease of recognition.

Safety is a priority when organising students into various formations for physical activity. It is essential to ensure that the physical activity area is appropriate and safe to work in, and boundaries are clearly identified. Different types of markers (small, medium and large cone markers, dome markers, poly spots, and space stations) are
ideal for establishing boundaries and organising students into various formations.

Listening Line

On signal, students immediately move quickly and safely to the designated sideline of the activity area and space themselves at arms-length along the sideline, facing the teacher.

Listening Circle

On signal, students move quickly and safely to the designated circle and safely Cross-Leg Sit inside of it, facing the teacher.