Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have an open, safe space for pupils to move freely, either in the classroom or on the playground. The central idea is for pupils to understand that “leaping” is a big jump from one foot to the other and to practise this movement safely. Observe if pupils can push off with one foot and land on the other, maintaining balance.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Simple body movements like walking, running, and hopping
Topic: Leaping Exercise
Subject Matter: Meaning of leaping and practising leaping as a movement.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Explain what leaping means in simple terms.
- Identify leaping as a type of movement.
Affective Domain
- Show enthusiasm for physical activities.
- Participate actively in leaping exercises.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the leaping movement correctly.
- Move different parts of their body while leaping.
Social Domain
- Follow instructions during group activities.
- Take turns when practising movements.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Early Childhood Care and Education curriculum resources
- Relevant early-years Physical and Health Education workbook
Instructional Materials
- Open classroom space or playground
- Picture cards showing people leaping
- Video demonstration of leaping
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it develops their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Leaping is a fundamental movement that helps children gain control over their bodies, build strength, and enjoy physical activity, which is crucial for their overall development.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can already perform simple body movements like walking, running, and jumping with two feet.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Meaning of Leaping and Practising Leaping as a Movement
What is Leaping?
- Leaping is a big jump.
- It means pushing off the ground with one foot and landing on the other foot.
- It is like taking a very long step or jumping over something small.
- Leaping helps us move quickly and cover distance.
How to Practise Leaping:
- Stand tall in an open space.
- Push off with one foot (e.g., your right foot).
- Swing your arms forward for balance.
- Land softly on your other foot (e.g., your left foot).
- Repeat, pushing off with the other foot each time.
Why We Leap:
- To play games and have fun.
- To move over small obstacles (like a line on the ground).
- To make our bodies strong and coordinated.
Key Words
- Leap – to make a big jump, pushing off with one foot and landing on the other.
- Jump – to push off the ground with one or both feet and land.
- Movement – changing position or place.
Movement Rhyme: The Leaping Game
Tune: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (or similar simple tune)
Leap, leap, leap so high,
One foot up, then the other.
Swing your arms, touch the sky,
Leap like a happy brother!
Actions: Pupils demonstrate the leaping motion, pushing off with one foot and landing on the other, swinging arms up as they leap.
Watch and Practise Leaping
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by asking pupils what “jump” means. Then introduce “leap” as a “big jump” from one foot to the other. Use simple, clear language. Emphasize the difference between jumping (often two feet) and leaping (one foot to the other).
What to show or demonstrate: Clearly demonstrate the leaping movement several times, exaggerating the push-off and landing. Show how arms help with balance. Use picture cards to illustrate leaping.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce “The Leaping Game” rhyme. Sing it slowly first, demonstrating the actions. Encourage pupils to sing along and perform the actions as they practise leaping. Repeat the rhyme several times to reinforce the movement.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see and practise leaping. Play the video and encourage pupils to watch the movements. After watching, guide them to imitate the leaping actions shown in the video, perhaps to the rhythm of the song.
What to watch for: Ensure pupils have enough space and do not bump into each other. Watch for pupils who struggle with balance; offer support or simplify the movement (e.g., just stepping over a line). Emphasize pushing off with one foot and landing on the other, rather than a two-footed jump.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Imitation
- Practical Activity
- Question and Answer
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and leads them in a short warm-up activity, such as stretching arms, wiggling fingers, and marching in place. The teacher asks, “Who likes to jump? Can you show me how you jump?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, participate in the warm-up, and demonstrate jumping with two feet.
Learning Point: Pupils are physically ready and engaged for the lesson.
Step 2: Explanation of Leaping
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Introduction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that today they will learn a new movement called “leaping.” The teacher explains that leaping is a big jump where you push off with one foot and land on the other. The teacher shows picture cards of people leaping.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the picture cards, and repeat the word “leap.”
Learning Point: Pupils understand the simple meaning of leaping.
Step 3: Demonstration by Teacher
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher clearly demonstrates the leaping movement several times, emphasizing pushing off with one foot and landing on the other, and using arms for balance. The teacher encourages pupils to watch carefully.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher’s demonstration keenly, observing the movement of the feet and arms.
Learning Point: Pupils observe the correct technique for leaping.
Step 4: Guided Practice with Rhyme
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Songs & Rhymes
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces “The Leaping Game” rhyme. The teacher sings the rhyme and guides pupils to try the leaping movement along with the rhyme, offering encouragement and correcting gently. “Let’s all try to leap like the rhyme says!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme and attempt to leap, pushing off with one foot and landing on the other, following the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils practise leaping in a fun, guided way.
Step 5: Video Demonstration & Practice
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the video, “Watch this video to see more leaping and move along with it!” The teacher plays the video and encourages pupils to watch and imitate the leaping movements shown.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and actively participate by trying to leap along with the movements demonstrated.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and practice of leaping through visual examples.
Step 6: Free Practice/Game
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher designates an open space (e.g., a line on the floor, or an imaginary river) and asks pupils to practise leaping over it. The teacher supervises, ensuring safety and providing individual feedback. “Can you leap over this line?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils freely practise leaping in the designated space, trying to leap over small imaginary obstacles.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their learning by independently practising the leaping movement.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- What is the name of the big jump we learned today?
- Show me how you leap.
- Can you tell me one foot you use to push off when you leap?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary/Cool-down
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and effort. The teacher leads a short cool-down, like gentle stretches. The teacher reminds them that leaping is a fun way to move and keep their bodies strong.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the cool-down and listen to the teacher’s summary.
Learning Point: Pupils conclude the lesson feeling positive and understand the importance of physical activity.
Lesson Keywords
- Leap – a big jump from one foot to the other.
- Jump – to push off the ground.
- Movement – how we change our body’s position.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling with balance, the teacher can hold their hand during the demonstration or encourage them to take smaller “leaps” (more like big steps). Repeat demonstrations slowly.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concept, encourage them to leap a little further, or to try leaping in different directions (forward, sideways) under close supervision.
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