The National Golf In Schools Program has arrived in Saskatchewan. Developed by the Physical Health and Education Association of Canada in partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association and the Canadian Professional Golfer’s Association, the National Golf in Schools Program has been designed to allow elementary school teachers, regardless of their golf background, the ability to deliver required physical education learning outcomes through the sport of golf. The program curriculum is designed to meet the learning outcomes required through physical education curriculum for elementary school grades 1-6.  

 

The National Golf In School’s Program is unique in that it has been designed to allow schools to deliver this program without golf specific equipment by utilizing existing equipment that they have such as floor hockey sticks, pylons and hoola hoops. By utilizing these tools teachers can provide students with fun and creative lessons. During the lessons the students will learn about the following skills themes:

 

1)      Movement Skills – striking with long – handled implements (golf clubs) and balance;

2)      Health – related fitness components – flexibility and cardio-vascular; and

3)      Skill related fitness components –eye-hand coordination

4)      They will also work to develop an understanding of movements concepts

·        Effort – force (strong and light );

·        Effort – flow (bound and free)

·        Aim and target line

 

The lessons have been designed with an understanding of the growth and development of children; as a result, there are two distinct divisions within this resource: Grades 1 to 3 and Grades 4 to 6. Weather is always an issue in Canada, as is teaching space. Almost every lesson can be taught indoors or outdoors. At times one location is preferred over another to encourage students success and safety.

 

 

Golf is a unique sport in that it can be played by people of all ages. Not only is golf considered to be a lifetime sport that promotes active living, it is one of the only sports that has inherit life skills and values imbedded within it. Some of these life lessons and values include, respect, integrity, honesty, responsibility, patience and work ethic.

 

From a pedagogical standpoint, the lessons address curriculum concerns including cooperation, honesty, appreciation for good plays, self-control, respect for peers, rules, acceptance of victory and defeat, proper use of equipment; and safety guidelines. Finally the resource suggests ideas and activities for integrating golf into other subject areas: Language Arts/English, Visual Arts, Mathematics, Health Science, and Computers.

 

 

- 9 right handed irons and putters                                            - 10 marker flags

- 3 left handed irons and putters                                              - 10 putting cups

- 10 red super-safe foam balls                                                 - 20 all surface tees

- 10 yellow super-safe foam balls                                             - 10 pairs of foot-tees

- 20 no bounce balls (5 each of red, yellow, green and blue)       - 2 make a hoops

- 60 anti-slip marker cones plus stand                                       - tri-golf wheely storage bag                                    

 

 

There are a number of ways to get involved and grow The National Golf In Schools Program in your community. 

 

1) Schools interested in only receiving the program learning resource can order the resource online for $25.00.

2) Schools interested in a complete National Golf In Schools Kit with the learning resource can order the kit and resource online for $475.00.

3) The Saskatchewan Golf Association (SGA) has invested in 22 National Golf In Schools Kits that will strategically be located at “hub sites” throughout the province for schools to borrow kits for the use of their teachers and students. A complete list of these “hub sites” will be posted on the SGA website and Golf in Schools website once they are confirmed.

4) Private donations to cover the purchase of a National Golf In Schools Kit can be provided with a tax receipt. This way parents, businesses and golf courses can contribute to get this innovative program up and running in schools throughout Saskatchewan or in their community.

5) Through coordination with the SGA, golf courses can purchase kits and operate as a “hub site” for schools to borrow the kits. 

 

“When the National Golf In Schools Program was launched across the Country I had the opportunity attend the Brunskill School media day in Saskatoon. To see 60 plus kids get exposed to the game of golf in two hours was extremely overwhelming. The thing that I like the most about the program is that there are a wide variety of games, exercises, values and lessons kids learn in class. There are so many activities that it is hard to lose interest.  If it were not for my dad who had taken me out to the golf course when I was young I never would have been exposed to the game at an early age. Now all kids going to school can have the opportunity to play a great game and learn a lot about life in a fun and enjoyable way.” 

 

Phil Grosse

SGA Manager of Sport Development & Marketing