Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare a clear glass of water, a chart showing various sources of water (rain, tap, well, river, borehole), and ensure the video link is ready. The central idea for pupils is to understand that water is a clear liquid we use daily and that it comes from different places. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can sing the water song, name at least two sources of water, and point to them on the chart.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science and Technology
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: Meaning and Sources of Water
Subject Matter: Meaning and sources of water.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- State a simple meaning of water.
- Name at least two sources of water.
Affective Domain
- Show appreciation for water as a useful liquid.
- Participate actively in singing the water song.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to different sources of water on a chart.
- Demonstrate actions for the water song.
Social Domain
- Take turns to mention sources of water.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- A clear glass of water
- Chart showing different sources of water (e.g., rain, tap, well, river, borehole)
- Picture cards of water sources
- Video documentary (as specified in the Board Summary)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it introduces them to a fundamental element of life – water. Understanding where water comes from helps them appreciate its value and encourages safe interaction with different water sources in their environment.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen and used water at home and school for various activities like drinking, washing, and bathing.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Meaning and Sources of Water
Water is a clear liquid that has no colour, no smell, and no taste. We drink water every day to stay healthy. We also use water for washing, bathing, cooking, and many other things.
A source of water is where we get water from. Water comes from different places.
Sources of Water
- Rain: Water falls from the sky when it rains.
- Tap: Water comes out of the tap in our homes and schools.
- Well: A deep hole in the ground where we can fetch water.
- River: A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.
- Borehole: A deep, narrow hole drilled into the ground to get water.
- Stream: A small, narrow river.
Water Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Water, water, clear and bright,
Helps us live from day to night.
From the tap and from the rain,
From the well and river plain.
Water, water, clear and bright,
Helps us live from day to night.
Actions:
- “Water, water, clear and bright”: Wiggle fingers like falling water.
- “Helps us live from day to night”: Hug self.
- “From the tap and from the rain”: Point to an imaginary tap, then wiggle fingers downwards.
- “From the well and river plain”: Pretend to pull a rope from a well, then make a wavy motion with hands.
- Repeat actions for the last two lines.
Watch and Learn About Water Sources
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Start by showing pupils a glass of clear water and asking them what it is. Guide them to describe it (clear, no smell, no taste). Explain that water is very important for us. Introduce the term ‘source’ by asking “Where do we get this water from?”. Use the chart to show and name each source clearly. Point to each picture as you say its name. Emphasize that water comes from different places.
What to show or demonstrate: Show a glass of water, allowing pupils to observe its clarity. Point to and name each source on the chart (rain, tap, well, river, borehole, stream). You can also use picture cards of each source for better visual engagement.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Water Song” together with pupils. Demonstrate the actions clearly and encourage pupils to join in. Repeat the song several times, at least twice, to help them memorize the lyrics and actions.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see where water comes from. Play the video for the pupils. After watching, ask pupils to name some sources they saw in the video and point them out on the chart. Encourage them to talk about what they learned from the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can identify water as a clear liquid, name at least two sources of water, and participate in the song and actions. Watch for any confusion between different water sources.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Repetition, Video Presentation.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating prior knowledge
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher brings out a clear glass of water and asks pupils, “What is this? What do we use it for?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond, “Water!” and mention uses like drinking, washing.
Learning Point: Pupils identify water and its general uses.
Step 2: Meaning of Water
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains simply, “Water is a clear liquid. It has no colour, no smell, and no taste. We drink water to stay healthy.” The teacher asks pupils to look at the water and describe it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the water and repeat after the teacher, “Water is a clear liquid.”
Learning Point: Pupils understand a simple definition of water.
Step 3: Introducing Sources of Water
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Introducing vocabulary/Visual aid use
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks, “Where do we get water from?” and introduces the word ‘source’. The teacher then brings out the chart showing different sources of water.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils try to guess places where water comes from and look at the chart.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of ‘source’ and are introduced to visual representations of water sources.
Step 4: Identifying and Naming Water Sources
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Naming/Pointing/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points to each source on the chart (rain, tap, well, river, borehole, stream) and says its name clearly. The teacher asks pupils to repeat the names and point to them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat the names of water sources and point to them on the chart.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise and name different sources of water.
Step 5: Water Song Reinforcement
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Singing/Movement/Memorisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Water Song” with actions. The teacher repeats the song two to three times to help pupils memorise it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing along with the teacher and perform the actions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of water and its sources through song and movement.
Step 6: Video Learning
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Media integration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces and plays the video “Where Does Water Come From?” After the video, the teacher asks pupils to mention sources they saw.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and then name sources they remember from it.
Learning Point: Pupils gain further visual understanding of water sources.
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.
- What is water like? (e.g., clear, no colour)
- Name one place where we get water from.
- Point to the picture of rain/tap/well on the chart.
- Sing the “Water Song” with actions.
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/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and reminds them that water is very important and comes from many places. “Always remember to drink clean water!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and say “Thank you, teacher.”
Learning Point: Pupils conclude the lesson with a positive reinforcement of the importance of water.
Lesson Keywords
- Water – A clear liquid we drink and use.
- Source – A place where something comes from.
- Rain – Water falling from the sky.
- Tap – A device that controls the flow of water.
- Well – A deep hole in the ground for water.
Differentiation
Support: For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will focus on identifying only two main sources (e.g., tap and rain) using larger, clearer pictures. Provide more repetition of names and use hand-over-hand guidance to point to sources on the chart. Encourage participation in the song through actions even if they cannot sing all the words.
Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher can ask them to name more sources of water or discuss what else water is used for (e.g., cooking, washing clothes, watering plants). They can also be asked to draw a simple picture of their favourite source of water.
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +