Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have clear picture cards or actual objects to demonstrate simple school instructions like “sit down,” “listen,” or “put toys away.” The central idea for pupils is to understand that following simple rules keeps everyone safe and happy in school. Observe if pupils can respond to basic verbal instructions and try to imitate actions shown. Prepare a designated space for movement and guided practice.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Learning about ourselves and others.
Topic: Simple Instructions at School
Subject Matter: Obeying School Instructions and Why They Matter.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify simple instructions given by the teacher.
- Name one person who gives instructions in school (e.g., teacher).
Affective Domain
- Show willingness to listen to the teacher.
- Express happiness when following instructions.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate simple actions like sitting down, standing up, or clapping when instructed.
- Participate in a song about following rules.
Social Domain
- Share toys or materials when asked.
- Take turns during simple activities.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1.
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
- Relevant picture books on school rules and behaviour.
Instructional Materials
- Charts with pictures of children following instructions (e.g., sitting, listening, sharing).
- Posters showing school rules (e.g., “Sit Nicely,” “Listen to Teacher”).
- Video clips (e.g., animated songs about following rules).
- Puppets or dolls to act out instructions.
- Colourful mats or chairs for sitting.
- Simple toys for sharing activities.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 2-year-old pupils understand the importance of following simple instructions in a school environment. It lays the foundation for good behaviour, safety, and effective learning, enabling them to participate positively in classroom routines and interact respectfully with others.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify their teacher and some classmates. They can respond to simple greetings and know how to sit on a mat or chair.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Obeying School Instructions and Why They Matter
In school, our teachers and other grown-ups give us simple instructions. These are like friendly guides that help us know what to do so everyone can be safe, happy, and learn together.
What are Simple Instructions?
Simple instructions are short, clear things we are asked to do. They help us know how to behave in school.
- “Sit down nicely.”
- “Listen to your teacher.”
- “Share your toys.”
- “Walk, don’t run.”
- “Put your things away.”
Who Gives Instructions at School?
- The Teacher
- The Head Teacher (Headmaster/Headmistress)
Why Do We Obey School Instructions?
We obey instructions because they help us:
- Be Safe: So we don’t get hurt. (e.g., “Walk, don’t run” prevents falls).
- Learn: So we can hear and understand new things. (e.g., “Listen to your teacher”).
- Be Happy: When everyone follows rules, we all have fun together.
- Make Friends: Sharing and taking turns makes friends happy.
Listen and Obey Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Listen, listen, hear the sound,
Teacher’s words all around.
Sit down, stand up, clap your hands,
Follow rules in all the lands.
Listen, listen, hear the sound,
Happy children all around!
Actions: Point to ears, nod head, sit, stand, clap hands, point around the room.
Watch and Practise
Key Words
- Obey – To do what someone tells you to do.
- Listen – To hear carefully with your ears.
- Share – To let others use your things too.
- Safe – Not in danger, protected from harm.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Use the charts and posters to show pictures of children following instructions. Act out each instruction (e.g., “sit down,” “listen”) using simple, clear words and gestures. Repeat the instructions several times. Ask pupils to imitate the actions. Emphasize the “why” in very simple terms like “so we are safe” or “so we can learn.”
What to show or demonstrate: Point to pictures of a teacher giving instructions. Use puppets or dolls to demonstrate simple instructions like “sit,” “stand,” “clap.” Model the actions yourself clearly and slowly.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Listen and Obey Song” by singing it slowly with clear actions. Encourage pupils to join in the actions first, then the words. Repeat the song 2-3 times to help them remember.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to learn about listening. Play the video once, then play it again, encouraging pupils to clap or move along with the actions shown. After watching, ask pupils to show one action they saw in the video (e.g., “show me how to listen”).
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are looking at you when you speak and attempting to follow simple instructions. Watch for those who might be distracted or find it hard to sit still, offering gentle reminders and support.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Imitation, Practical Activity.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads a short “Good Morning” song. The teacher then asks pupils to “sit down nicely” and claps when they do. “Good job, you listened!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and follow the instruction to sit down.
Learning Point: Pupils are settled and introduced to following simple instructions.
Step 2: Presentation of Instructions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows charts/posters with pictures of children following simple instructions (e.g., listening, sitting, sharing). The teacher names each instruction clearly, like “This child is listening,” and models the action. “When I say ‘listen,’ we put our hands here (cupping ear).”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures and the teacher’s demonstration, trying to imitate the actions.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise visual examples of instructions and their corresponding actions.
Step 3: Guided Practice – Following Actions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives simple, direct instructions one by one: “Stand up!”, “Sit down!”, “Clap your hands!”, “Touch your nose!”. The teacher praises pupils who follow the instructions. “Very good listening!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and try to follow each instruction given by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils practise responding to verbal instructions with physical actions.
Step 4: Who Gives Instructions?
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Association
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points to herself and says, “I am your teacher, and I give instructions.” The teacher also shows a picture of the head teacher and says, “Our Head Teacher also gives instructions.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils point to the teacher and to the picture of the head teacher, repeating “Teacher!”
Learning Point: Pupils identify the teacher as a source of instructions.
Step 5: Why Obey? (Safety and Happiness)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Relating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses simple scenarios: “If I say ‘walk, don’t run,’ why? So you don’t fall! That keeps you safe!” “If I say ‘share the toys,’ why? So everyone is happy!” The teacher shows pictures of safe children and happy children.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, look at the pictures, and nod their heads, understanding simple reasons.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp that obeying instructions leads to safety and happiness.
Step 6: Song and Video Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the “Listen and Obey Song” again with actions. Then, the teacher plays the short video on following directions, encouraging pupils to watch and imitate any actions they see.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing along with the song, perform the actions, and watch the video, attempting to mimic movements.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce learning through song and visual media.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Show me how you listen.” (Teacher cups ear)
- “Who gives you instructions in school?” (Teacher points to self)
- “If I say ‘sit down,’ what do you do?” (Teacher gestures sitting)
- “Why do we obey instructions? (Hint: to be safe/happy)”
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: Summarising/Closing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their good listening and participation. “You all did so well today listening and following instructions! That makes our school a happy place.” The teacher leads a short closing song.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and sing the closing song.
Learning Point: Pupils leave with a positive reinforcement of the lesson.
Lesson Keywords
- Obey – To do what someone tells you to do.
- Listen – To hear carefully with your ears.
- Share – To let others use your things too.
- Safe – Not in danger, protected from harm.
- Instructions – Things we are told to do.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who struggle, use hand-over-hand guidance to help them perform actions. Give instructions one at a time with a pause in between. Use larger, more colourful picture cards. Repeat instructions and demonstrations more frequently. Pair them with a peer who follows instructions well.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concept, ask them to point to a classmate who is following an instruction. Ask them to name another simple instruction they hear at home. Encourage them to “teach” a puppet how to follow an instruction.
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