Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Before this lesson, ensure you have a clear, safe, open space, preferably outdoors or a large indoor area, where pupils can move freely without bumping into each other. The central idea is for pupils to learn and practise hopping on one foot with balance and coordination. Observe carefully to ensure pupils are attempting to hop on a single foot and maintaining some balance, even if for a short distance.

Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Exploring different ways of moving our bodies.
Topic: KANGAROO HOP: LEARNING THE HOPPING MOVEMENT
Subject Matter: Kangaroo Hop: Learning the Hopping Movement

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

Identify a kangaroo as an animal that hops.
Understand that hopping means moving on one foot.

Affective Domain

Participate enthusiastically in hopping activities.
Enjoy imitating the movement of a kangaroo.

Psychomotor Domain

Demonstrate hopping on one foot for a short distance.
Practise balancing while hopping like a kangaroo.

Take turns and share the activity space safely.
Follow simple instructions during group movement.

Reference Materials

NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Early years Physical and Health Education activity guides

Instructional Materials

Pictures or flashcards of kangaroos
Open playground or clear indoor space
Music for movement activities
Video demonstrating kangaroo hopping

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it develops fundamental gross motor skills, balance, and coordination through a fun and engaging activity. Learning to hop strengthens leg muscles, improves spatial awareness, and encourages children to explore different ways their bodies can move, connecting physical activity with animal imitation.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can already walk, run, and jump. They may have seen pictures or videos of kangaroos and other animals that move in unique ways.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

KANGAROO HOP: LEARNING THE HOPPING MOVEMENT

Hopping is a movement where you jump forward or around on one foot. You lift one foot off the ground and use the other foot to push off and land. It helps you to balance your body.

A kangaroo is an animal that moves by hopping. They have strong legs that help them hop very far and fast.

Today, we will learn how to hop like a kangaroo!

Key Words

Hop – to jump on one foot.
Kangaroo – an animal that moves by hopping.
Balance – keeping your body steady so you don’t fall.
Movement – how our bodies get from one place to another.

Movement Rhyme: The Kangaroo Hop

Tune: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Lyrics:

Kangaroo, kangaroo, hop with me,
Hop with me, hop with me.
Kangaroo, kangaroo, hop with me,
One foot up, you see!

Kangaroo, kangaroo, jump so high,
Jump so high, jump so high.
Kangaroo, kangaroo, jump so high,
Reach your hands to the sky!

Actions: Hop gently on one foot, then switch feet. Reach hands up high when “jump so high” is sung.

Watch and Move Along

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0_k9z2909Q

💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary

How to teach the content: Begin by showing pictures of kangaroos and asking pupils how they move. Explain simply that hopping is moving on one foot. Emphasize the idea of “one foot up” and “one foot down.”

What to show or demonstrate: Clearly demonstrate hopping on one foot, first slowly, then a little faster. Show how to lift one foot and use the other to spring. Demonstrate how to switch feet. Ensure you have a wide, clear space for this.

How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Kangaroo Hop” rhyme after the initial explanation and demonstration. Sing it several times, encouraging pupils to join in with the words and actions. Use it to encourage movement and reinforce the concept of hopping on one foot.

How to use the video: Introduce the video as a chance to see real kangaroos hopping and to practise hopping along with the song. Play the video and encourage pupils to imitate the movements they see. After the video, lead them in more guided practice, referring back to the video’s examples.

What to watch for: Observe if pupils are attempting to hop on one foot or if they are jumping on two feet. Provide gentle reminders and support to help them lift one foot. Watch for balance and encourage them to try again if they wobble.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Play-based Learning
Demonstration
Guided Practice
Songs and Rhymes
Imitation
Picture Talk
Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Motivation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and starts with a simple “Good Morning” song or a quick movement warm-up like stretching. The teacher then asks, “Who knows how a kangaroo moves?” and shows pictures of kangaroos.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, participate in the warm-up, and share their ideas about how kangaroos move.

Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the topic of kangaroos and their movement.

Step 2: Presentation – What is Hopping?

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Introduction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what hopping is: “Hopping means moving on one foot, like a kangaroo! You lift one foot and jump on the other.” The teacher uses pictures of kangaroos to illustrate this.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, look at the pictures, and repeat “hopping on one foot.”

Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept of hopping.

Step 3: Teacher Demonstration

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Modelling/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher moves to a clear space and demonstrates hopping on one foot, first slowly, then a little faster. The teacher emphasizes lifting one foot high and using the other to push off. “Watch me! One foot up, then hop, hop, hop!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully, pointing to the teacher’s hopping foot.

Learning Point: Pupils visually learn how to perform the hopping movement.

Step 4: Guided Practice – Pupils Try

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Support

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites pupils to try hopping. “Now it’s your turn! Let’s all try to lift one foot and hop.” The teacher walks around, offering support by holding hands or giving gentle encouragement. “Try to balance!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to hop on one foot, with or without teacher assistance, trying to maintain balance.

Learning Point: Pupils begin to practise the hopping movement with support.

Step 5: Rhyme and Movement

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Creative Expression

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the “Kangaroo Hop” rhyme and leads the pupils in singing and performing the actions. The teacher sings the rhyme several times, encouraging pupils to hop along to the rhythm. “Let’s sing and hop like kangaroos!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme and try to hop along, mimicking the kangaroo actions.

Learning Point: Pupils reinforce hopping through a fun, repetitive song and movement.

Step 6: Video and Further Practice

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual Learning/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows the short video of kangaroos hopping. After the video, the teacher encourages pupils to try hopping again, imagining they are the kangaroos from the video. “Did you see how the kangaroos hopped? Let’s try to hop just like them!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and then practise hopping with renewed enthusiasm, imitating the kangaroos.

Learning Point: Pupils apply what they observed from the video to their own hopping practice.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

“What animal did we learn about today that hops?”
“Can you show me how to hop on one foot?”
“What does ‘hopping’ mean?”

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: Closure/Encouragement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their effort and participation. “You all did a great job hopping like kangaroos today! Keep practising your hopping at home.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher and give themselves a round of applause for their hard work.

Learning Point: Pupils feel accomplished and are encouraged to continue practising the skill.

Lesson Keywords

Hop – to jump on one foot.
Kangaroo – an animal that moves by hopping.
Balance – keeping your body steady.
Movement – how we move our bodies.

Differentiation

Support: For pupils struggling with balance, allow them to hold the teacher’s hand or a friend’s hand while attempting to hop. Encourage them to hop on two feet first, then try lifting one foot for a very short moment. Provide a shorter distance for them to hop.
Extension: Challenge pupils who can hop easily to hop further, hop in a circle, or hop to a specific count (e.g., “Hop 5 times on one foot!”). Encourage them to try hopping on the other foot as well.