Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare picture cards showing children doing homework neatly and untidily, and examples of simple homework tasks. The central idea for pupils to understand is that homework helps them learn and that doing it properly is a good habit. Observe pupils as they discuss and role-play good habits to see if they grasp the importance of neatness and a quiet environment. Ensure the classroom is arranged for easy viewing of charts and the video.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Personal Development
Curriculum Theme: Personal Development
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: DOING MY HOMEWORK
Subject Matter: Importance of doing homework and good homework habits.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- State one reason why doing homework is important.
- Identify good habits for doing homework.
Affective Domain
- Show willingness to do their homework.
- Appreciate the benefits of good homework habits.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate how to sit properly while doing homework.
- Practise keeping their homework neat.
Social Domain
- Participate in discussions about homework.
- Share ideas on how to do homework well.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Picture cards showing children doing homework (neatly and untidily)
- Charts illustrating good homework habits
- Crayons and paper (for demonstration)
- Song tapes and videos (relevant educational video)
- Sample homework sheets
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds because it introduces them to the concept of responsibility and learning beyond the classroom. Understanding the importance of homework and developing good habits early helps to build a strong foundation for future academic success and self-discipline. It also teaches them how to manage simple tasks independently.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can follow simple instructions, recognise familiar objects, and understand the concept of doing tasks at home (e.g., helping with chores). They also know their teachers and parents.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Importance of Doing Homework and Good Homework Habits
What is Homework?
Homework is a small task or activity that your teacher gives you to do at home. It helps you remember what you learned in school.
Why is Homework Important?
- It helps you learn more.
- It helps you remember things better.
- It makes you smarter.
- It helps your teacher know if you understood the lesson.
Good Homework Habits:
- Do it neatly: Keep your paper clean and write carefully.
- Do it in a quiet place: Find a calm spot away from noise.
- Ask for help: If you don’t understand, ask Mummy, Daddy, or an older sibling.
- Do it on time: Finish your homework before the due date.
- Do NOT eat or drink: Keep food and drinks away from your homework to keep it clean.
Key Words
- Homework – a small task from school to do at home.
- Important – something that matters a lot.
- Habits – things we do regularly.
- Neat – clean and tidy.
- Quiet – calm and without much noise.
Homework Song
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lyrics:
Homework, homework, small and fun,
Helps me learn when day is done.
In my quiet, tidy space,
I will work with happy face.
Homework, homework, I will try,
Smart and clever, that is why!
Actions: Point to head, pretend to write, make a quiet gesture, smile, give thumbs up.
Watch and Learn About Homework
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce “homework” by asking pupils what they sometimes do at home for school. Explain its meaning simply using examples of drawing or colouring. Use the picture cards to show good and bad homework habits. Discuss each point clearly, asking pupils to identify what they see in the pictures. Emphasize why neatness and a quiet space are important for learning.
What to show or demonstrate: Show a blank sheet of paper and demonstrate how to hold a crayon properly and write/draw neatly. Show a picture of a messy workspace versus a tidy one. Role-play asking an adult for help with homework.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Homework Song” by singing it slowly first. Explain the actions. Sing it together with pupils a few times, encouraging them to do the actions. Use it as a fun way to reinforce the idea of good homework habits.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to learn more about homework. Play the video once or twice. After watching, ask pupils what they saw in the video that helps them do homework well. Encourage them to repeat key phrases or actions from the song.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can identify the difference between good and bad habits from the pictures. Listen for their understanding of why homework is important. Correct any misconceptions gently, e.g., that homework is just for adults.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Role-play, Repetition, Discussion.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, sings a familiar welcome song, and asks them about any small tasks they sometimes do at home for school (e.g., drawing, colouring). The teacher then introduces the topic: “Doing My Homework.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and share their experiences of doing small tasks at home.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the lesson topic.
Step 2: Explaining Homework
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Illustrating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what homework is in simple terms, “Homework is a small task your teacher gives you to do at home to help you learn.” The teacher shows examples of simple homework tasks like colouring a picture or tracing lines.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and look at the examples of homework. They may point to pictures they recognise.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic meaning of homework.
Step 3: Discussing the Importance of Homework
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussing/Motivating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks, “Why do you think homework is good for us?” The teacher guides pupils to understand that homework helps them learn more, remember things, and become smarter. The teacher uses simple language and relates it to their learning in class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and offer simple answers like “to learn” or “to be smart.”
Learning Point: Pupils grasp why doing homework is beneficial.
Step 4: Introducing Good Homework Habits
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces good homework habits using picture cards. The teacher shows pictures of children doing homework neatly, in a quiet place, and asking for help. The teacher demonstrates how to sit properly and keep materials tidy. The teacher emphasizes not eating or drinking while doing homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures and teacher’s demonstrations. They identify good habits and try to sit properly.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and identify good habits for doing homework.
Step 5: Rhyme and Video Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcing/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in singing the “Homework Song” with actions. After the song, the teacher plays the verified YouTube video about homework habits. The teacher encourages pupils to watch carefully.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the song with actions and watch the video attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of homework importance and habits through song and video.
Step 6: Pupil Application and Discussion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitating/Encouraging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to share one good homework habit they learned. The teacher encourages them to role-play sitting neatly or asking for help.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share a habit and briefly demonstrate it (e.g., sitting up straight, pretending to write neatly).
Learning Point: Pupils actively apply and discuss good homework habits.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- Why is it good to do your homework? (e.g., to learn, to be smart)
- Show me how you would sit to do your homework neatly.
- Is it good to drink water or eat while doing your homework? (Expected answer: No)
- What should you do if you don’t understand your homework? (Expected answer: Ask Mummy/Daddy/teacher for help)
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarising/Encouraging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them to always try their best to do their homework neatly and in a quiet place. The teacher ends the lesson with a positive affirmation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond with “Thank you, teacher.”
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to practise good homework habits.
Lesson Keywords
- Homework – Small tasks or activities given by the teacher to do at home.
- Important – Very necessary or valuable.
- Habits – Regular ways of doing things.
- Neat – Tidy and organised.
- Quiet – Free from noise or disturbance.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who struggle, use larger picture cards, provide hand-over-hand guidance for demonstrating neatness, and repeat key phrases about homework importance. Pair them with a peer who understands well for guided discussion.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, ask them to name another person who can help them with homework (e.g., an older brother/sister). Encourage them to draw a picture of themselves doing homework with good habits.
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