Meaning of relay race and Types of relay races 4 × 100 m and 4 × 400 m for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Athletics
Focal competence: Running, passing the baton correctly and working cooperatively with team members
Key competencies/values: Communication; Collaboration; ICT and Digital Competencies
Skills:

• Running relay races

Previous Lesson: Meaning of exercise, rest and sleep
Topic: Relay Races
Subject Matter: Meaning of relay race, Types of relay races

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• explain the meaning of a relay race;
• identify the types of relay races.

Psychomotor Domain

• perform the 4 × 100 metre relay race;
• perform the 4 × 400 metre relay race.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Physical and Health Education textbook for Primary 4
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Athletic track or open field
• Sports wear
• Stopwatch
• Measuring tape
• Finish line tape
• Batons (or improvised substitutes like small sticks)
• Cones or markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the concept of relay races, which are fundamental events in athletics. It promotes teamwork, communication, and physical fitness. Learning about relay races also develops coordination and strategic thinking in a competitive yet cooperative environment.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of running, teamwork, and following instructions during physical activities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Relay Races

Meaning of a Relay Race

A relay race is a track and field event where a team of four runners competes. Each runner covers a specific distance, called a “leg,” and then passes a baton to the next teammate. The race continues until the last runner crosses the finish line. Teamwork and a smooth baton exchange are essential for success.

Types of Relay Races

The most common types of relay races are named after the number of runners and the total distance covered. These include:

1. 4 × 100 Metre Relay Race:
   • This race involves four runners.
   • Each runner covers a distance of 100 metres.
   • The total distance covered by the team is 400 metres.
   • Baton exchanges occur within designated zones.
2. 4 × 400 Metre Relay Race:
   • This race also involves four runners.
   • Each runner covers a distance of 400 metres (one full lap on a standard track).
   • The total distance covered by the team is 1600 metres.
   • Baton exchanges occur within designated zones.

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/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them if they have ever seen or participated in a race where people run as a team and pass something to each other. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Relay Races.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to relay races

Step 2: Meaning of Relay Race

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of a relay race, highlighting that it’s a team event where runners carry a baton and pass it to teammates. The teacher uses simple examples to make the concept clear.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Meaning of relay race

Step 3: Types of Relay Races

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Classification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies and explains the two main types of relay races: 4 × 100 m and 4 × 400 m. The teacher explains the distance covered by each runner and the total distance for each type, using the athletic track as a visual aid if available.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify the types, and ask questions about the distances.

Learning Point: Types of relay races

Step 4: Demonstration of Relay Race

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher organises pupils into small teams and demonstrates the basic setup of a relay race, showing how to hold and pass the baton within the exchange zones. The teacher marks a short practice track for this purpose.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and understand the mechanics of baton exchange.

Learning Point: Baton exchange technique

Step 5: Practice 4x100m Relay

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Coaching

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice the 4 × 100 metre relay race in their teams on the marked practice track. The teacher provides feedback on running and baton passing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice running and passing the baton in teams for the 4 × 100 m relay.

Learning Point: 4 × 100 m relay practice

Step 6: Practice 4x400m Relay

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Coaching

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice the 4 × 400 metre relay race, explaining that each runner covers a longer distance. The teacher ensures pupils understand the difference in leg length and encourages teamwork.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice running and passing the baton in teams for the 4 × 400 m relay.

Learning Point: 4 × 400 m relay practice

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 a relay race?
2. Mention two types of relay races.
3. Demonstrate how to pass a baton.
4. What is the total distance for a 4 × 100 m relay race?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding relay races

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 types of relay races into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reminding pupils about the importance of teamwork and correct baton exchange in relay races. The teacher encourages them to continue practicing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next activity.

Learning Point: Relay race concepts reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your Physical and Health Education notebook:

1. In your own words, describe what makes a relay race different from other running races.
2. If a team has four runners and each runs 100 metres, what type of relay race is it?
3. Draw a simple diagram showing how a baton is passed from one runner to another.

Lesson Keywords

• Relay Race – A team running event where a baton is passed between runners.
• Baton – A short stick passed between runners in a relay race.
• Leg – The distance covered by one runner in a relay race.
• 4 × 100 m Relay – A relay race where four runners each run 100 metres.
• 4 × 400 m Relay – A relay race where four runners each run 400 metres.
• Exchange Zone – The designated area where the baton must be passed.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, the teacher will provide more direct guidance during baton exchange practice and pair them with stronger learners. For faster learners, the teacher can challenge them to explain the rules of baton exchange or demonstrate different passing techniques.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search on YouTube for: “Primary 4 relay race explanation and demonstration”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure the athletic track or open field is clear and safe for running. Gather all necessary instructional materials, especially batons (or suitable substitutes) and markers. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about team sports to link to the concept of relay races. Clearly explain the meaning and types of relay races using simple language and visual aids. The practical demonstration of baton exchange is crucial; ensure all pupils observe closely. Divide pupils into small, manageable teams for practice, providing constant supervision and constructive feedback on their running and baton passing techniques. Pay close attention to safety during all practical activities. Allow pupils to copy the Board Summary notes after the practical sessions and evaluation to consolidate their learning. Encourage teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the lesson.