Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, arrange the classroom chairs and tables to allow for clear demonstrations and pupil practice. The central idea is for pupils to understand and actively demonstrate the correct way to sit in class. Ensure each child has a suitable chair and space. Observe closely as pupils practice, providing gentle corrections to help them achieve and maintain a proper sitting posture.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 7
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Personal Development
Curriculum Theme: Personal Development
Previous Lesson: Good Manners at School
Topic: Learning Position in Class
Subject Matter: Proper sitting position in class.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify a proper sitting position.
- Describe the features of a proper sitting position (e.g., back straight, feet flat).
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of sitting properly in class.
- Show willingness to maintain a proper sitting posture.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate a proper sitting position.
- Practise sitting correctly at their desks.
Social Domain
- Participate in classroom activities while maintaining good posture.
- Follow classroom rules regarding sitting positions.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Early Learner Environmental Studies
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Classroom chairs and tables
- Pictures or charts showing children sitting properly and improperly
- Teacher’s demonstration
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning to sit properly in class is essential for young children as it supports their concentration, promotes good posture, and prevents discomfort or health issues later on. This lesson helps pupils develop self-awareness and discipline, enabling them to engage more effectively in learning activities and contribute to an orderly classroom environment.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with sitting on chairs at home and in school and have some understanding of following simple classroom instructions.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Proper Sitting Position in Class
Proper sitting means sitting in a way that is good for your body and helps you learn.
How to Sit Properly:
- Back Straight: Sit up tall, like a giraffe!
- Shoulders Relaxed: Don’t hunch your shoulders.
- Feet Flat: Put both feet on the floor, not dangling or tucked under.
- Not Leaning: Don’t lean too much on the table or your neighbour.
- Looking Forward: Face the teacher or the board.
Why Proper Sitting is Important:
- It helps you see the board clearly.
- It helps you hear the teacher well.
- It helps you concentrate and learn better.
- It keeps your back strong and healthy.
- It shows respect in the classroom.
What is Improper Sitting?
- Slouching (bending your back).
- Leaning heavily on the table.
- Rocking your chair.
- Putting your feet on the chair or desk.
Key Words
- Proper – The correct or right way.
- Sitting – Resting on a chair or bench.
- Straight – Not bent or curved.
- Comfortable – Feeling good and relaxed.
Our Sitting Rhyme
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Back so straight, feet so flat,
Sitting nicely, just like that!
Eyes on teacher, ears to hear,
Learning lessons, oh so clear!
Back so straight, feet so flat,
Good sitting, we can do that!
Actions: Straighten back, tap feet on the floor, point to eyes, point to ears, nod head, then repeat actions.
Watch and Practise
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by discussing what “sitting” means. Use the “How to Sit Properly” points as a checklist. Demonstrate both proper and improper sitting positions clearly, exaggerating the differences. Ask pupils to observe and describe what they see. Explain the importance using simple language and relate it to their learning and health.
What to show or demonstrate: Physically demonstrate sitting with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and feet flat on the floor. Then demonstrate common improper ways like slouching or leaning. Use a classroom chair to show the correct setup.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Our Sitting Rhyme” after explaining proper sitting. Sing it together several times, encouraging pupils to perform the actions as they sing. Use it as a quick reminder throughout the day.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see how other children sit properly. Play the video “Good Sitting – How to Sit Nicely” by The Social Learning Hub. After watching, discuss what they observed and encourage them to mimic the good sitting habits shown in the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are able to distinguish between proper and improper sitting. Look for their ability to adjust their own posture when reminded. Watch for common issues like slouching, feet dangling, or leaning excessively.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Demonstration, Guided Practice, Play-based Learning, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Imitation, Repetition, Practical Activity.
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to stand up and stretch. The teacher then asks, “How do we sit on our chairs in class?” and listens to their initial responses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, stand up, stretch, and offer their ideas on how they sit.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and begin to think about sitting.
Step 2: Presentation of Proper Sitting
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Proper Sitting Position in Class.” The teacher demonstrates a proper sitting position, explaining each feature: “Back straight, feet flat on the floor, not leaning.” The teacher may use a chart or picture of good sitting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher’s demonstration and listen to the explanation. They observe the chart/picture.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the key elements of proper sitting.
Step 3: Guided Practice of Proper Sitting
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Correction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to sit properly in their chairs, guiding them to adjust their backs, feet, and shoulders. The teacher walks around, providing individual feedback and encouragement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to sit properly, following the teacher’s instructions and making adjustments to their posture.
Learning Point: Pupils practice and begin to internalize the correct sitting posture.
Step 4: Presentation of Improper Sitting and its Importance
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Contrast/Reasoning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates some improper sitting positions (e.g., slouching, leaning heavily) and asks pupils why these are not good. The teacher explains the importance of proper sitting for learning and health.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the improper sitting demonstrations and discuss why they are not good. They listen to the reasons for sitting properly.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the negative effects of improper sitting and the benefits of proper posture.
Step 5: Rhyme and Video Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Multimedia
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Our Sitting Rhyme” with actions. The teacher then plays the short educational video on proper sitting, asking pupils to watch carefully.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and watch the video, paying attention to the demonstrations.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding through song and visual examples.
Step 6: Application and Peer Correction
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to sit properly again and encourages them to gently observe their neighbours and give positive feedback if they are sitting well. The teacher continues to supervise and correct.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sit properly and observe their peers, offering simple positive comments if appropriate, under teacher guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their learning and develop observational skills related to posture.
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.
- “Show me how to sit properly.”
- “What should you do with your back when you sit?”
- “What should you do with your feet?”
- “Why is it important to sit properly?”
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: Summarization/Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and good sitting. The teacher reminds them to always try to sit properly in class and at home. The teacher leads them in singing the sitting rhyme one more time.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils acknowledge the teacher’s praise and sing the rhyme. They promise to sit properly.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and commit to good sitting habits.
Lesson Keywords
- Proper – The correct or right way.
- Sitting – Resting on a chair or bench.
- Straight – Not bent or curved.
- Posture – The way you hold your body when sitting or standing.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling to sit properly, the teacher can provide more physical guidance (e.g., gently guiding their back to be straight) and use larger, clearer pictures. They can also be paired with a peer who demonstrates good posture.
- Extension: Pupils who quickly grasp the concept can be asked to identify other situations where proper sitting is important (e.g., eating at the dining table) or to explain in their own words why good posture is healthy. They can also lead the class in the sitting rhyme.
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