Parts of the Mouth, Functions, Drawing and Labelling for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: 2
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Living and Non-Living Things
Focal competence: Describing the various categories of teeth, their functions and position
Key competencies/values: Communication; Creativity and Innovation
Skills:

• Drawing and labelling parts of the human mouth

Previous Lesson: Human Mouth and Its Parts
Topic: Human Body: The Mouth: Functions
Subject Matter: Functions of the lips, tongue and teeth, drawing and labelling parts of the mouth

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Explain the functions of the lips, tongue and teeth.
• Identify the main parts of the mouth.
• State the functions of different categories of teeth.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of the mouth for various activities.
• Show interest in learning about the human body.

Psychomotor Domain

• Draw the main parts of the mouth.
• Label the main parts of the mouth correctly.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools, Book 4
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Mirror
• Chart showing parts of the mouth
• Model of the mouth
• Drawing materials (pencils, crayons, drawing books)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it helps pupils understand the structure and function of a vital part of their body, the mouth. Knowing the roles of the lips, tongue, and teeth fosters an appreciation for personal hygiene and overall health. It also develops observational and drawing skills essential for scientific understanding.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of some parts of the human body and their general uses.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Human Body: The Mouth: Functions

Parts of the Mouth and Their Functions

The mouth is an important part of the human body used for eating, speaking, and breathing. It has several parts, each with a specific function.

Functions of the Lips

The lips are the soft, movable outer folds of the mouth. Their functions include:

1. Helping to close the mouth.
2. Holding food and drink inside the mouth.
3. Assisting in speech by forming sounds.
4. Showing emotions like smiling or frowning.

Functions of the Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ inside the mouth. Its functions include:

1. Tasting food through taste buds.
2. Mixing food with saliva during chewing.
3. Helping to swallow food.
4. Assisting in speech by forming words.

Functions of the Teeth

Teeth are hard structures found in the mouth. They are important for breaking down food. There are different types of teeth, and each has a specific function:

1. Incisors: These are the front teeth used for cutting and biting food.
2. Canines: These are the pointed teeth next to the incisors, used for tearing food.
3. Premolars: These teeth are behind the canines, used for crushing and grinding food.
4. Molars: These are the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food into smaller pieces.

Drawing and Labelling the Main Parts of the Mouth

The main parts of the mouth that can be drawn and labelled include:

1. Lips (upper and lower)
2. Tongue
3. Teeth (incisors, canines, molars)
4. Gums

When drawing, ensure to show the general shape of the mouth, the tongue inside, and the different types of teeth clearly arranged.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling previous knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention some parts of their body they know. The teacher then directs their attention to the mouth and asks what they use their mouth for.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention body parts and state uses of the mouth like eating, talking, and smiling.

Learning Point: Mouth uses identified

Step 2: Functions of the Lips

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a mirror or model to show the lips. The teacher explains and demonstrates the functions of the lips (closing the mouth, holding food, speech, showing emotion) and asks pupils to try some actions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the lips in a mirror, listen to the explanation, and try to close their mouths, hold water, and make sounds with their lips.

Learning Point: Lips functions understood

Step 3: Functions of the Tongue

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to stick out their tongues and observe them in a mirror. The teacher explains the functions of the tongue (tasting, mixing food, swallowing, speech) and asks questions about taste.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe their tongues, listen to the explanation, and answer questions about tasting different foods.

Learning Point: Tongue functions explained

Step 4: Functions of the Teeth

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Classification/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses the chart or model of the mouth to show the different types of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, molars). The teacher explains the specific function of each type of tooth.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teeth on the chart/model and listen to the explanation of each type’s function.

Learning Point: Teeth types and functions

Step 5: Drawing the Mouth

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Drawing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws a simple outline of the mouth on the board, guiding pupils on how to draw it in their drawing books. The teacher encourages them to include the lips, tongue, and teeth.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully draw the outline of the mouth in their drawing books, following the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Mouth drawing practised

Step 6: Labelling the Mouth

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Labelling/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher labels the parts of the mouth on the drawing on the board (lips, tongue, incisors, canines, molars, gums). The teacher ensures pupils understand where each label points.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils label the parts of the mouth in their drawings as guided by the teacher.

Learning Point: Mouth parts labelled

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention two functions of the lips.
2. What is the main function of the tongue?
3. Name two types of teeth and their functions.
4. Draw and label any two parts of the mouth.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Mouth functions assessed

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the functions of the lips, tongue, and teeth, and the main parts to label into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Notes copied accurately

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the importance of the mouth and its parts. The teacher reminds pupils to take good care of their mouths by brushing their teeth regularly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Mouth care emphasised

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. List three functions of the lips.
2. Describe how the tongue helps you eat and speak.
3. Identify the type of teeth used for grinding food.
4. Draw a simple diagram of the mouth and label the tongue and incisor teeth.

Lesson Keywords

• Lips – The soft outer folds of the mouth.
• Tongue – The muscular organ in the mouth used for taste and speech.
• Teeth – Hard structures in the mouth used for chewing food.
• Incisors – Front teeth for cutting.
• Canines – Pointed teeth for tearing.
• Molars – Back teeth for grinding.
• Label – To add names to parts of a drawing.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, provide pre-drawn mouth diagrams for labelling and focus on identifying just two key functions for each part. For advanced learners, encourage them to research and list more functions of the mouth parts or draw a more detailed diagram showing all types of teeth.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: “Parts of the mouth and their functions for kids Primary 4”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a mirror, a chart, or a model of the mouth ready for demonstration. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about the mouth to activate prior knowledge. Systematically explain the functions of the lips, tongue, and teeth, using the visual aids to make the concepts concrete. Guide pupils step-by-step through drawing and labelling the mouth, providing individual support as needed. Encourage pupils to copy the Board Summary notes carefully into their notebooks after the main teaching points have been covered and evaluated. Conclude by reinforcing the importance of oral hygiene.