Basketball, Basic Skills and Equipment for Pre-School Level 4

Class: Pre-School Level 4
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 5 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Simple movements and exercises
Topic: Basketball: Basic Skills and Equipment
Subject Matter: Ball Games and Exercises – Basketball – Skills in Basketball: Bouncing, throwing, etc. Equipment: Ball, boots, jersey, hoops, whistle, etc. Weekly focus: Basketball: Basic Skills and Equipment.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify and name at least two basic skills in basketball (bouncing, throwing).
• Identify and name at least two pieces of equipment used in basketball (ball, hoop).

Affective Domain

• Show enthusiasm for playing basketball.
• Participate actively in simple basketball activities.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the skill of bouncing a ball.
• Demonstrate the skill of throwing a ball gently.

Social Domain

• Take turns when practising basketball skills.

Reference Materials

• NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 4
• Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources

Instructional Materials

• Soft, light balls (e.g., foam balls, beach balls)
• Pictures of children playing basketball
• A small, low hoop or a bucket/basket to aim at
• Video clips showing basic basketball skills
• Playground or open space

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces young children to the exciting game of basketball, helping them develop fundamental motor skills like hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility. Learning basic skills like bouncing and throwing also fosters physical fitness and encourages teamwork and active play, which are crucial for healthy growth and development at this age.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can already run, jump, and play with different types of balls. They are familiar with following simple instructions for movement activities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Basketball: Basic Skills and Equipment

Basketball is a fun game played with a ball. Two teams try to throw a ball into a hoop to score points.

Basic Skills in Basketball

1. Bouncing (Dribbling): This is when you push the ball down to the ground with your hand, and it bounces back up to you. You keep pushing it down to move around.
2. Throwing (Passing): This is when you gently push or throw the ball to a friend or towards the hoop.

Equipment for Basketball

To play basketball, you need some things:

• Ball: A special round ball that you bounce and throw.
• Hoop: A round net or ring high up where you throw the ball to score.
• Jersey: A special shirt that players wear.
• Boots/Shoes: Comfortable shoes for running and jumping.
• Whistle: The referee uses it to start and stop the game.

Movement Rhyme: Bounce and Throw

Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”

Bounce the ball, up and down,
Bounce the ball all around.
Push it gently, with your hand,
Best basketball player in the land!
Throw the ball, to a friend,
Let the fun never end!

Actions:

• “Bounce the ball, up and down”: Pretend to bounce a ball.
• “Push it gently, with your hand”: Make pushing motions with hands.
• “Throw the ball, to a friend”: Make a throwing motion.

How to use the rhyme: Sing the rhyme while pupils demonstrate bouncing and throwing actions with or without a ball. Repeat several times to reinforce the skills.

Watch and Practise

The teacher will show a short video clip demonstrating basic basketball skills like bouncing and throwing. Pupils will watch and try to imitate the actions.

Key Words

• Basketball – A game where you bounce and throw a ball into a hoop.
• Bounce – To push a ball down so it springs back up.
• Throw – To send a ball through the air with your hand.
• Hoop – The ring where players try to throw the ball to score points.
• Ball – The round object used to play basketball.

What the Teacher Should Show or Draw

• Pictures of a basketball, a basketball hoop, and children bouncing/throwing a ball.
• Demonstrate the correct way to bounce and throw a soft ball.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Video Learning, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Practical Activity, Imitation.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about their favourite games with a ball. “Who likes playing with a ball? What games do you play?”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming ball games or showing how they play with a ball.

Learning Point: Pupils recall previous experiences with ball games, linking to the new topic.

Step 2: Introduction to Basketball

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Visualising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces basketball as a fun ball game. “Today, we will learn about a special ball game called basketball!” The teacher shows pictures of children playing basketball and explains the main idea: throwing a ball into a hoop. The teacher then plays the short video clip showing basic basketball skills.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the pictures, watch the video, and listen attentively. They may point to the ball or the hoop in the pictures.

Learning Point: Pupils understand what basketball looks like and the basic goal of the game.

Step 3: Learning to Bounce (Dribble)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Guiding

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to bounce a soft ball, explaining to push it down gently with the fingertips. “This is called bouncing or dribbling!” The teacher guides pupils to try bouncing the ball individually in an open space. The teacher also leads the “Bounce and Throw” rhyme, focusing on the bouncing part.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher, then pick up a soft ball and try to bounce it. They sing along with the rhyme and perform the actions.

Learning Point: Pupils learn the skill of bouncing a ball and practise hand-eye coordination.

Step 4: Learning to Throw (Pass)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Guiding

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to throw a soft ball gently to a partner or towards a target (like a low hoop or bucket). “Now, let’s learn to throw the ball to a friend!” The teacher guides pupils to practise throwing the ball to a partner or aiming for a target. The teacher repeats the “Bounce and Throw” rhyme, focusing on the throwing part.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher, then practise throwing the ball to a partner or at a target. They sing along with the rhyme and perform the actions.

Learning Point: Pupils learn the skill of throwing a ball and practise aiming.

Step 5: Identifying Basketball Equipment

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identifying/Naming

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures or real examples of basketball equipment (ball, hoop, jersey, whistle). “What do we need to play basketball?” The teacher asks pupils to name each item. “This is a ball, this is a hoop, this is a jersey.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and name the equipment as the teacher points to them.

Learning Point: Pupils recognise and name basic basketball equipment.

Step 6: Game Time!

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitating/Reinforcing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher organises a simple game where pupils take turns bouncing the ball and then trying to throw it into a low hoop or basket. “Let’s play a game! Bounce the ball, then try to throw it in the basket!” The teacher encourages teamwork and fair play.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the game, taking turns bouncing and throwing the ball, cheering for their friends.

Learning Point: Pupils apply the learned skills in a fun, game-like setting and practise social skills.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.

1. “What is one skill we learned today in basketball?” (e.g., bouncing, throwing)
2. “Can you show me how to bounce the ball?”
3. “Can you show me how to throw the ball gently?”
4. “What is one thing you need to play basketball?” (e.g., ball, hoop)

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Encouraging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their active participation and effort. “You all did a great job bouncing and throwing today! Keep practising these skills.” The teacher reminds them that playing ball games helps them grow strong and healthy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils tidy up the balls and listen to the teacher’s encouraging words.

Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and understand the importance of physical activity.

Lesson Keywords

• Basketball – A game played with a ball and a hoop.
• Bounce – To make a ball hit the ground and spring back up.
• Throw – To send something through the air with your hand.
• Hoop – The target where you throw the ball in basketball.

Differentiation

• Support: For pupils struggling with bouncing, provide larger, softer balls (e.g., beach balls) that are easier to control. Use hand-over-hand guidance for throwing. Provide fewer choices when asking to name equipment.
• Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the skills, challenge them to bounce the ball a certain number of times continuously, or to throw the ball into the hoop from a slightly further distance. Encourage them to name more equipment or skills.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have enough soft balls for each child or small groups, and a clear, safe space for movement. A low hoop or even a large bucket will work as a target. Emphasize safety during bouncing and throwing activities to prevent collisions. Observe pupils’ hand-eye coordination and motor skills as they attempt to bounce and throw. Praise effort and participation over perfect execution. Repeat the rhyme and demonstrations often to reinforce learning. Look for pupils who can identify the skills and equipment by name and can demonstrate the actions, as this shows understanding.