Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have a clear space for pupils to move safely, either in the classroom or on the playground. Prepare picture cards of children exercising or be ready to demonstrate various body movements clearly. The central idea is for pupils to understand that exercise means moving our bodies to stay healthy and to be able to move different body parts. Observe pupils actively participating in movements and naming body parts as they move them.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Not specifically stated in the scheme.
Topic: General Body Exercise: Meaning and Moving Body Parts
Subject Matter: General Body Exercise: Meaning and Moving Body Parts
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Explain in simple terms what general body exercise means.
- Identify different parts of their body.
Affective Domain
- Participate actively in simple body exercises.
- Show enthusiasm for moving their bodies.
Psychomotor Domain
- Move different parts of their body, such as head, arms, legs, and waist.
- Perform simple exercises like hopping, bending, and stretching.
Social Domain
- Engage cooperatively in group exercise activities.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Open space (playground or classroom)
- Skipping rope (for demonstration)
- Picture cards showing children exercising
- Music player with child-friendly exercise songs
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it introduces them to the concept of physical activity and its benefits for their health and growth. Understanding how to move different body parts helps develop their motor skills, coordination, and body awareness, which are crucial for their overall physical development and well-being.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can already identify some basic body parts and can make simple movements like walking, running, and clapping.Lesson Content/Board Summary
General Body Exercise: Meaning and Moving Body Parts
What is General Body Exercise?
General body exercise means moving our whole body to make it strong, healthy, and happy. It is like playing and moving around to keep our bodies fit.
Why do we exercise?
- To make our muscles strong.
- To make our bones strong.
- To stay healthy and not get sick easily.
- To have energy to play and learn.
Moving Body Parts During Exercise:
We can move many parts of our body when we exercise:
- Head: Nod up and down, turn side to side.
- Shoulders: Roll them forwards and backwards.
- Arms: Swing them, stretch them up high, circle them.
- Hands: Clap, open and close fists.
- Waist: Bend side to side, twist gently.
- Legs: Kick, march, run, hop, jump.
- Feet: Wiggle toes, tap on the ground.
Movement Rhyme
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Move your head, up and down,
Move your head, all around.
Swing your arms, so very wide,
Swing your arms, side to side.
Stomp your feet, 1, 2, 3,
Exercise makes us happy!
Actions: Pupils perform the actions mentioned in each line as they sing.
Watch and Move Along
Key Words
- Exercise – Moving our body to stay strong and healthy.
- Move – To change position or place.
- Body parts – Different sections of our body like head, arms, legs.
- Healthy – Strong and not sick.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by asking pupils what they do to play and move. Explain that “exercise” is a special word for moving our bodies to stay strong and healthy. Use simple, clear language. Point to your own body parts as you name them and demonstrate movements.
What to show or demonstrate: Demonstrate each body part movement clearly and slowly first, then speed up slightly. Use picture cards of children exercising to illustrate the concept. Show how a skipping rope is used for exercise (even if pupils don’t use it themselves yet).
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Movement Rhyme” by singing it first. Encourage pupils to listen and then join in. Repeat the rhyme several times, performing the actions together. Encourage loud singing and energetic movements.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see and do more exercises. Play the video and encourage pupils to watch and imitate the movements shown. Pause if needed to help pupils catch up or to highlight a specific movement. After the video, ask pupils which movements they enjoyed most.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are able to follow instructions to move specific body parts. Watch for any pupils who are hesitant to move and encourage them gently. Ensure all pupils have enough space to move safely without bumping into each other.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Imitation, Question and Answer, Practical Activity.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets pupils warmly and leads them in a short welcome song. The teacher asks pupils what they like to do to play and move around.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and share their favourite play activities.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and thinking about movement.
Step 2: Explanation of General Body Exercise
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Building
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains in simple terms that “general body exercise” means moving our whole body to make it strong, healthy, and happy. The teacher shows picture cards of children exercising and gives simple examples like running, jumping, and dancing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, look at the pictures, and repeat simple phrases like “Exercise makes us strong!”
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic meaning of general body exercise.
Step 3: Demonstration of Moving Body Parts
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to move different body parts one by one: nodding the head, rolling shoulders, swinging arms, bending the waist, kicking legs, and tapping feet. The teacher names each body part clearly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher’s demonstrations and listen to the names of the body parts.
Learning Point: Pupils observe correct movements for various body parts.
Step 4: Guided Practice – Moving Body Parts
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Imitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher calls out a body part and a movement (e.g., “Move your head up and down!”). Pupils imitate the teacher’s movements. The teacher provides encouragement and gentle correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively move their body parts as instructed by the teacher, imitating the demonstrated actions.
Learning Point: Pupils practice moving different body parts with guidance.
Step 5: Rhyme/Song Activity
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Creative Expression
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the “Movement Rhyme” and leads pupils in singing it while performing the actions. The teacher repeats the rhyme several times to help pupils learn the words and actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme and perform the associated actions, moving their bodies energetically.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce body part movements through song and actions.
Step 6: Video and Further Practice
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Active Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the verified YouTube video on body movement exercises. The teacher encourages pupils to watch the video and move along with the characters on the screen.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and actively participate by imitating the exercises and movements shown.
Learning Point: Pupils engage in varied body exercises and enjoy moving to music.
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 does it mean to exercise?” (Encourage simple answers like “moving our body to be strong.”)
- “Show me how you move your arms.”
- “Show me how you move your legs.”
- “Why is it good to exercise?” (Encourage answers like “to be healthy,” “to be strong.”)
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: Summary/Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their active participation and reminds them that moving their bodies every day helps them grow strong and healthy. The teacher dismisses the class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for dismissal.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to continue exercising daily.
Lesson Keywords
- Exercise – Moving our body to stay strong and healthy.
- Move – To change position or place.
- Body parts – Different sections of our body like head, arms, legs.
- Healthy – Strong and not sick.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who find it difficult to coordinate movements, the teacher can provide hand-over-hand guidance or simplify movements (e.g., just tapping feet instead of hopping). Use more repetition and visual cues.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concepts, the teacher can challenge them to name more body parts as they move them, or perform a sequence of two or three movements without prompting (e.g., “Bend your waist, then clap your hands”).
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +