Cat and Rat Game, Rules and Performance for Primary 1

Class: Primary One
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Games
Focal competence: Correctly playing and valuing local games for fitness, culture and social interaction
Key competencies/values: Tolerance; Safety Awareness
Skills:

• Correctly performing local games

Previous Lesson: Rats and Rabbits Game, Rules and Performance
Topic: Local Games: Cat And Rat
Subject Matter: Rules and correct performance of Cat and Rat

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• State the basic rules of the “Cat and Rat” game.
• Identify the players and play area for the game.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of local games for physical fitness and social interaction.
• Demonstrate fair play and tolerance while playing the game.

Psychomotor Domain

• Perform the roles of the ‘cat’ and ‘rat’ correctly.
• Move safely and appropriately during the game.

Social Domain

• Cooperate with other players to participate in the game.
• Interact positively with peers during game play.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Primary Physical and Health Education for Basic 1, by A. O. Ojo and S. K. Musa
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Cones or safe markers
• Whistle where appropriate
• Open safe activity space
• Appropriate sportswear

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it introduces pupils to a popular local game, “Cat and Rat,” which promotes physical fitness, agility, and quick thinking. It also fosters social skills like cooperation, fair play, and tolerance among children, while preserving cultural heritage through traditional games.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have played simple games and can follow basic instructions from their teacher.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Local Games: Cat And Rat

Name of the Game

The local game we will learn today is called Cat and Rat.

Players and Play Area

The game is played by a group of children. One child is chosen as the “Cat” and another as the “Rat”. The remaining children form a circle, holding hands to create a “house” for the rat.

Materials or Markings Needed

The game needs:

1. An open, safe space to play.
2. Cones or markers can be used to define the play area if needed.

Basic Rules of the Game

The main rules of the “Cat and Rat” game are:

1. The children forming the circle raise their joined hands to let the “Rat” run in and out.
2. The “Cat” tries to catch the “Rat”.
3. The children in the circle try to protect the “Rat” by lowering their hands to block the “Cat”.
4. The “Cat” must not break through the joined hands of the circle.
5. The “Rat” must stay inside or close to the circle.

How Play Starts and Ends

The game starts when the teacher blows a whistle or gives a signal. The “Cat” chases the “Rat” around and through the circle. The game ends when the “Cat” catches the “Rat”, or after a set time. New players are then chosen for the “Cat” and “Rat” roles.

Skills Used During the Game

Playing “Cat and Rat” helps children develop skills such as:

1. Running
2. Dodging
3. Chasing
4. Listening to instructions
5. Quick thinking
6. Cooperation

Fair Play and Safe Participation

It is important to:

1. Play fairly and follow all rules.
2. Be tolerant and kind to other players.
3. Ensure the play area is safe and free from obstacles.
4. Avoid pushing or rough play to prevent injuries.

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: Warm-up/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in a short warm-up exercise (e.g., stretching, light jogging) and asks them about local games they know or play at home.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the warm-up and share names of local games they know.

Learning Point: Game introduction

Step 2: Explanation of the Game

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the game “Cat and Rat”, including its name, the roles of the players (Cat, Rat, and circle members), the play area, and the basic rules, using simple language and gestures. The teacher writes key points on the board.

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

Learning Point: Cat and Rat rules

Step 3: Demonstration

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the roles of the “Cat” and “Rat” and how the circle players should raise and lower their hands. The teacher can ask a few pupils to assist in the demonstration.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and identify the movements of the “Cat” and “Rat”.

Learning Point: Game movement demonstration

Step 4: Guided Practice

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Coaching

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils to form a circle and choose a “Cat” and “Rat”. The teacher supervises as pupils practice the movements and roles, providing immediate feedback and corrections on safety and technique.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice forming the circle, acting as the “Cat”, “Rat”, and circle members under the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Practicing game roles

Step 5: Group Play

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher allows pupils to play the “Cat and Rat” game in small, supervised groups. The teacher ensures fair play, safety, and adherence to rules, rotating roles so everyone gets a chance to be the “Cat” and “Rat”.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in playing the “Cat and Rat” game, taking turns in different roles.

Learning Point: Playing Cat and Rat

Step 6: Reinforcement

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gathers the pupils and discusses the importance of fair play, tolerance, and safety during the game. The teacher praises good participation and corrects any observed unsafe behaviour.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and share their experiences, confirming their understanding of fair play and safety.

Learning Point: Fair play and safety

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 the name of the game we played today?
2. Who are the main players in the “Cat and Rat” game?
3. What does the “Cat” try to do?
4. What should we remember to do to play safely?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Game rules recall

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 about the “Cat and Rat” game into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Copying game notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils about the fun and benefits of playing local games like “Cat and Rat” for their health and making friends. The teacher encourages them to play safely at home.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils acknowledge the importance of local games.

Learning Point: Local games importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Practice Exercise

Instruction: Practice playing the “Cat and Rat” game with your friends or family at home, remembering all the rules and safety tips.

1. Draw a picture of children playing “Cat and Rat” in your notebook.
2. Ask an adult to help you list two other local games played in your community.

Lesson Keywords

• Cat and Rat – A local game involving chasing and dodging.
• Rules – Instructions on how to play a game.
• Players – The people who play a game.
• Fair play – Playing honestly and following the rules.
• Safety – Playing without causing harm or injury.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide more direct guidance during the game, simplify roles, and offer more verbal cues. Pair them with more confident pupils to encourage participation. Focus on understanding just one or two key rules.

For faster learners: Challenge them to explain the rules to a peer or demonstrate specific movements. Encourage them to think of variations or other local games they know, fostering leadership skills during play.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual aids and further understanding, search on YouTube for: cat and rat game primary school nigeria

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure the chosen activity space is clear, safe, and large enough for children to run and move freely. Prepare any cones or markers if you intend to define the play area. Begin with a light warm-up to prepare pupils physically. Clearly explain the rules of “Cat and Rat” using simple language and demonstrate each role (Cat, Rat, and circle members) before allowing pupils to play. Emphasise safety at all times, reminding pupils not to push or be rough. Supervise closely during group play, rotating roles so every child gets a chance to experience being the “Cat” and “Rat.” Ensure pupils copy the Board Summary notes after the practical activity to consolidate their learning. Check for understanding by asking questions about the rules and safe play.