Skip to content
HeadTeacher.ng
Lesson Notes

Human Mouth and Its Parts for Primary 4

Explore meaning and parts of the human mouth in Basic Science and Technology for Primary 4.

Published Reading7 min Comments0

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

This lesson introduces Primary 4 pupils to the human mouth, its meaning, and its various parts. Prepare visual aids like a mirror, a chart, or a model of the mouth to facilitate clear identification. Ensure pupils actively participate in pointing and naming the parts. By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to clearly explain what the mouth is and identify its main components.

Class: Primary Four
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
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: Second Term Computer Studies Examination
Topic: Human Body: The Mouth
Subject Matter: Meaning of the mouth, Parts of the mouth

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

  • Explain the meaning of the mouth.
  • Identify the different parts of the mouth.

Affective Domain

  • Appreciate the importance of the mouth for various functions.
  • Show curiosity about the structure of the human body.

Psychomotor Domain

  • Point to the different parts of the mouth on themselves or a model.
  • Draw and label a simple diagram of the human mouth.

Social Domain

  • Collaborate with peers in identifying parts of the mouth.

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
  • Diagrams of the human mouth

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces pupils to a fundamental part of their own body, the mouth. Understanding its structure helps pupils appreciate its various functions, such as eating, speaking, and breathing. This foundational knowledge supports further learning about human anatomy and personal hygiene.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of the human body and some of its external parts from previous classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Human Body: The Mouth

Meaning of the Mouth

The mouth is an opening in the face through which food and drinks are taken into the body. It is also used for speaking and breathing.

Parts of the Mouth

The human mouth has several important parts that work together. These parts include:

  1. Lips: These are the soft, movable outer parts of the mouth. They help to hold food and form sounds when speaking.
  2. Teeth: These are hard, white structures inside the mouth used for biting and chewing food.
  3. Tongue: This is a muscular organ that helps with tasting food, mixing food with saliva, and speaking.
  4. Gums: These are the pink, fleshy tissues that surround and support the teeth.
  5. Palate: This is the roof of the mouth. It has a hard front part (hard palate) and a soft back part (soft palate).
  6. Cheeks: These are the fleshy sides of the mouth that help to keep food inside while chewing.
  7. Salivary Glands: These glands produce saliva, which helps to moisten food and begin digestion.

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: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to point to their mouth. The teacher then asks what they use their mouth for.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, point to their mouth, and mention uses like eating, speaking, and breathing.

Learning Point: Introduction to mouth

Step 2: Explanation of the Mouth’s Meaning

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of the mouth as an opening for food, drinks, speaking, and breathing, using simple language.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and repeat the meaning of the mouth.

Learning Point: Meaning of mouth

Step 3: Identification of Mouth Parts (Lips and Teeth)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a mirror, chart, or model to show the lips and teeth. The teacher asks pupils to look at their own lips and teeth in a mirror and identify them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, look in their mirrors, and point to their lips and teeth.

Learning Point: Lips and teeth identification

Step 4: Identification of Mouth Parts (Tongue and Gums)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify their tongue and gums using the mirror or model. The teacher explains their basic functions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils stick out their tongues and show their gums, naming them as instructed.

Learning Point: Tongue and gums identification

Step 5: Identification of Mouth Parts (Palate and Cheeks)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Interaction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points to the palate and cheeks on the chart or model, explaining where they are. The teacher asks pupils to feel their own cheeks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart/model, feel their cheeks, and try to locate their palate.

Learning Point: Palate and cheeks

Step 6: Reinforcing Parts of the Mouth

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Recall

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reviews all the identified parts of the mouth, asking pupils to name them again from the chart or model.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils point to and name the parts on the model or diagram as called out by the teacher.

Learning Point: Mouth parts recall

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. What is the mouth used for?
  2. Name two parts of the mouth you have learned today.
  3. Point to your tongue.
  4. What are the hard white structures in your mouth called?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

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 meaning and parts of the mouth into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points about the mouth and its parts, encouraging pupils to take care of their mouths.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of mouth care.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

  1. Draw a simple diagram of the human mouth and label at least four parts.
  2. Write down three things you use your mouth for.

Lesson Keywords

  • Mouth – The opening in the face used for eating, speaking, and breathing.
  • Lips – The soft, outer parts of the mouth.
  • Teeth – Hard structures for biting and chewing.
  • Tongue – Muscular organ for taste and speech.
  • Gums – Fleshy tissue supporting teeth.
  • Palate – The roof of the mouth.
  • Cheeks – Sides of the mouth.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide pre-labelled diagrams of the mouth for easier identification and copying. Allow them to simply point to parts rather than naming all of them verbally. Use more repetition and one-on-one guidance.

For faster learners: Challenge them to identify additional parts of the mouth not covered in detail, such as the uvula or tonsils on the chart. Ask them to describe the specific function of each part in more detail.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: parts of human mouth for primary school

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a clear mirror, a detailed chart, or a model of the human mouth readily available. Begin by engaging pupils with simple questions about their own mouths to activate prior knowledge. Systematically introduce each part of the mouth, demonstrating clearly with the visual aids and encouraging pupils to observe and identify on themselves or the model. Pay attention to pronunciation of new terms. Guide pupils through the activities, ensuring active participation. During the note-taking stage, supervise pupils to ensure they copy the Board Summary accurately. Address any misconceptions promptly and reinforce the importance of oral hygiene. The evaluation questions should directly assess the learning objectives, and the homework will provide an opportunity for independent practice and drawing skills.

Export this post
Human Mouth and Its Parts for Primary 4
About the author

Royal Alikor

Royal Alikor is an educator with six years of classroom teaching and three years of elementary school leadership experience. He develops and reviews practical, curriculum-aligned learning materials for Nigerian schools.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +