Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare pictures of a friendly pig and a train on a track, along with a chart displaying the rhyme lyrics. The central idea for pupils is to understand the importance of saying “sorry” when they accidentally bump someone and to be mindful of safety. Observe pupils actively participating in reciting the rhyme with actions and demonstrating the act of saying “sorry” during role-play.
Class: Pre-School Level 4
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Age: 5 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Songs and Rhymes
Curriculum Theme: Songs and Rhymes
Previous Lesson: Listening to and reciting simple rhymes.
Topic: PIGGY ON THE RAILWAY
Subject Matter: PIGGY ON THE RAILWAY.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Describe the terms “piggy” and “railway” using pictures.
- Recite the “Piggy on the Path” rhyme with actions.
Affective Domain
- Express the importance of saying “sorry” when they make a mistake.
- Show care for others by being gentle.
Psychomotor Domain
- Perform simple actions to accompany the rhyme.
- Role-play a scenario involving bumping into someone and saying “sorry.”
Social Domain
- Participate actively in group rhyme recitation and discussion.
- Demonstrate safety consciousness by being aware of their surroundings during play.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 4
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
- Relevant early-years rhyme books
Instructional Materials
- Picture of a friendly piggy
- Picture of a railway track with a train
- Chart with the “Piggy on the Path” rhyme lyrics
- Small stones or blocks (for creating a ‘path’ during role-play)
- Puppets or soft toys (optional, for role-play)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 5-year-olds develop language skills through rhyme recitation and introduces crucial social-emotional concepts. By learning about a “piggy” on a “path,” children explore imaginative play while internalizing the importance of empathy, saying “sorry,” and being safety-conscious in their interactions with others.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can listen to and follow simple instructions. They are familiar with simple animal names and have heard other nursery rhymes. They also have a basic understanding of sharing and playing with friends.Lesson Content/Board Summary
PIGGY ON THE RAILWAY
A “piggy” is a small, friendly pig. A “railway” is a special path where trains move.
Sometimes, when we are playing or walking, we might accidentally bump into a friend. It is very important to always say “sorry” when this happens. Saying “sorry” shows that we care about our friends and their feelings.
We also need to be “safety conscious” – this means we always look around us and try to play safely so we don’t hurt ourselves or others, just like a train stays on its track to be safe.
Our “Piggy on the Path” Rhyme
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lyrics:
Little piggy, walking slow,
On the path, watch him go!
Oops! He bumped his friend, oh dear!
“Sorry, friend!” he said, “Come near!”
Friends forgive, and friends all play,
Safe and happy, every day!
Actions:
- “Little piggy, walking slow”: Wiggle fingers like walking feet.
- “On the path, watch him go!”: Point forward.
- “Oops! He bumped his friend, oh dear!”: Gently tap hands together.
- “Sorry, friend!” he said, “Come near!”: Put hands together as if praying, then open arms for a hug.
- “Friends forgive, and friends all play”: Hold hands with a neighbour.
- “Safe and happy, every day!”: Give a thumbs-up.
Watch and Learn to Say Sorry
Key Words
- Piggy – a baby pig or a small, friendly pig.
- Railway – a special path of metal tracks for trains to run on.
- Sorry – what we say when we accidentally hurt someone or make a mistake.
- Care – to be kind and look after others.
- Safe – not in danger, protected from harm.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by showing pictures of a piggy and a railway, asking pupils what they see. Explain that the lesson is about a “piggy on a path” and how we should behave. Emphasize the importance of saying “sorry” and being careful. Use simple, clear language.
What to show or demonstrate: Display the pictures of the piggy and railway. Point to the words on the rhyme chart as you introduce them. Demonstrate the actions for each line of the rhyme clearly and slowly.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Piggy on the Path” rhyme by reciting it first. Then, lead pupils in reciting it together, adding the actions. Repeat the rhyme several times, encouraging full participation and enthusiasm. Discuss the meaning of “sorry” and “care” within the context of the rhyme.
How to use the video: Introduce the video by telling pupils they will watch a story about why saying “sorry” is important. Play the video. After watching, facilitate a brief discussion about what the video taught them about saying “sorry” and how it makes others feel better. Ask pupils to share times they have said or heard “sorry.”
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are actively trying to recite the rhyme and perform the actions. Pay attention to their understanding of “sorry” and “care” during discussions. Correct any mispronunciations gently and encourage all pupils to participate.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Songs and Rhymes
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Role-play
- Repetition
- Discussion
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and starts with a quick “Hello Song.” The teacher then asks pupils if they like animals, especially pigs, and if they know what a train track is called. The teacher introduces the topic: “Today, we will learn about a Piggy on the Railway and why it’s important to say sorry and be careful!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, name animals, and listen attentively to the teacher’s introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the lesson’s theme.
Step 2: Introducing “Piggy” and “Railway”
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Vocabulary Building
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a picture of a friendly piggy and asks pupils to describe it. The teacher then shows a picture of a railway track and a train, explaining what a “railway” is. The teacher connects this to the idea of paths and movement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and describe the piggy and the railway. They listen to the teacher’s explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise and understand the key terms “piggy” and “railway.”
Step 3: Introducing the Rhyme
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the “Piggy on the Path” rhyme, explaining that it tells a story about a piggy who bumps into a friend. The teacher recites the rhyme clearly and slowly, demonstrating the actions for each line.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully to the rhyme and observe the teacher’s actions.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the rhyme’s words and actions.
Step 4: Guided Rhyme Recitation with Actions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in reciting the “Piggy on the Path” rhyme together, encouraging them to perform the actions. The teacher repeats the rhyme several times, providing support and correction as needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recite the rhyme along with the teacher, performing the actions.
Learning Point: Pupils practice reciting the rhyme with increasing confidence and coordination.
Step 5: Discussing “Sorry” and Caring
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Moral Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils what the piggy said after bumping his friend. The teacher emphasizes the importance of saying “sorry” and how it makes friends feel better. The teacher also discusses caring for others and being gentle during play. The teacher then shows the video on “Learn to Say Sorry.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions, share their experiences, and watch the video, discussing what they learned about saying “sorry.”
Learning Point: Pupils understand the social value of saying “sorry” and showing care.
Step 6: Role-Playing and Safety Awareness
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Role-play/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher sets up a small “path” using stones or blocks. The teacher guides pupils to take turns “walking like a piggy” on the path. The teacher then prompts a scenario where one pupil “accidentally bumps” another, and they practice saying “sorry.” The teacher reminds them to be “safety conscious” by looking where they are going.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the role-play, practicing walking carefully, bumping gently, and saying “sorry.”
Learning Point: Pupils apply the lesson’s concepts in a practical, interactive way.
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 a piggy? (Show picture)
- What is a railway? (Show picture)
- What should you say if you accidentally bump a friend?
- Recite the “Piggy on the Path” rhyme with actions.
- Demonstrate how to say “sorry” to a friend.
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: Reinforcement/Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them to always be kind, careful, and remember to say “sorry” when needed. The teacher leads a final, quick recitation of the rhyme.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher’s concluding remarks and participate in the final rhyme recitation.
Learning Point: Pupils leave with a reinforced understanding of the lesson’s key messages.
Lesson Keywords
- Piggy – a small pig.
- Railway – a path for trains.
- Sorry – what we say for a mistake.
- Care – to be kind.
- Safe – not in danger.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling with the rhyme, the teacher can use hand-over-hand actions, allow them to just say “sorry,” or focus on only the first two lines of the rhyme. Use larger pictures for clearer identification of “piggy” and “railway.”
- Extension: Encourage advanced pupils to suggest other situations where saying “sorry” is important. They can also create an extra verse for the rhyme or draw a picture of the piggy and his friend playing safely.
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