Rules and correct performance of Fire on the Mountain for Primary 1

Class: Primary One
Term: Second Term
Week: 9
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: Cat and Rat Game, Rules and Performance
Topic: Local Games: Fire On The Mountain
Subject Matter: Rules and correct performance of Fire on the Mountain

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• State the basic rules of Fire on the Mountain.
• Describe how the game Fire on the Mountain starts and ends.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of fair play in games.
• Demonstrate safety awareness while playing Fire on the Mountain.

Psychomotor Domain

• Perform the local game Fire on the Mountain correctly.

Social Domain

• Interact positively with peers during the game.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Physical and Health Education for Primary Schools, Book 1
• 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 introduces pupils to “Fire on the Mountain,” a popular local game. It helps them develop physical fitness, coordination, and social skills through active participation. Understanding the rules and promoting fair play and safety are essential for enjoyable and constructive group activities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can follow simple instructions and have participated in basic group activities or games.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Local Games: Fire On The Mountain

Players and Play Area

Fire on the Mountain is a game played by a group of children. The game needs an open, safe space where children can run and move freely. A circle is formed by placing cones or markers, or by drawing a chalk line on the ground.

Materials Needed

The main materials needed for this game are:

1. Cones or safe markers to make a circle.
2. A whistle for the teacher to give signals.

Basic Rules of the Game

The rules for playing “Fire on the Mountain” are:

1. Pupils stand in a circle, with one less marker or cone than the number of players.
2. One pupil stands in the middle of the circle.
3. When the teacher says “Fire on the Mountain, run, run, run!”, pupils jog around the circle.
4. When the teacher blows the whistle or says “Stop!”, pupils quickly find a marker to stand on.
5. The pupil who does not find a marker is out of the game.
6. One marker is removed each round until only one winner remains.

How Play Starts and Ends

The game starts when the teacher calls out “Fire on the Mountain, run, run, run!” and pupils begin to jog around the circle. The game ends when there is only one pupil left, who is declared the winner.

Skills Used During the Game

Playing “Fire on the Mountain” helps pupils develop important skills such as:

1. Running and jogging.
2. Listening and responding to signals.
3. Quick reaction time.
4. Coordination and balance.

Fair Play and Safe Participation

It is important to play “Fire on the Mountain” fairly and safely. This means:

1. Not pushing or shoving other players to get a marker.
2. Waiting for the signal before moving.
3. Respecting the decisions of the teacher.
4. Being careful not to trip or fall.

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: Explaining/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about local games they know. The teacher then introduces “Fire on the Mountain” as a fun local game they will learn to play today.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and mention some local games. They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to local games

Step 2: Game Name and Setup

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes “Fire on the Mountain” on the board and explains that it’s the name of the game. The teacher then guides pupils to an open space and demonstrates how to set up the play area by arranging cones in a circle, ensuring one less cone than the number of players.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher setting up the play area and repeat the name of the game.

Learning Point: Game name and play area

Step 3: Materials and Markings

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows the cones/markers and a whistle, explaining their use in the game. The teacher clarifies that these are the materials needed to play.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials and listen to their uses.

Learning Point: Game materials identified

Step 4: Basic Rules

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Rule-setting

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the basic rules of the game step-by-step, such as jogging around the circle, responding to the whistle, finding a marker, and being out if no marker is found. The teacher ensures pupils understand each rule.

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

Learning Point: Understanding game rules

Step 5: How Play Starts and Ends

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Clarification/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the starting signal (“Fire on the Mountain, run, run, run!”) and the stopping signal (whistle/ “Stop!”). The teacher explains that the game ends when one winner remains.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice the starting and stopping actions and understand the game’s duration.

Learning Point: Game start and end

Step 6: Skills, Fair Play, and Safety

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the skills used in the game (running, listening, quick reaction). The teacher strongly emphasizes the importance of fair play (no pushing) and safety (being careful not to fall) during the game.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention skills they will use and promise to play fairly and safely.

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 learned today?
2. What materials do we need to play Fire on the Mountain?
3. What do you do when the teacher says “Fire on the Mountain, run, run, run!”?
4. What should you do when the teacher blows the whistle?
5. Why is it important to play safely?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Rules and safety assessed

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 Fire on the Mountain into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarizing/Encouraging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils about the fun of playing local games like Fire on the Mountain and encourages them to practice playing safely and fairly with their friends. The teacher ends the lesson.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the conclusion of the lesson.

Learning Point: Game importance reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Practice Exercise

Instruction: Practice playing “Fire on the Mountain” at home or during break time, remembering the rules and safety tips.

1. Draw the setup for “Fire on the Mountain” in your notebook, showing the cones and children.
2. Ask your parents or guardians to tell you about another local game they played when they were young.

Lesson Keywords

• Fire on the Mountain – Name of a local game
• Rules – Instructions on how to play a game
• Markers – Objects used to show positions or boundaries
• Whistle – A tool used to give signals
• Fair play – Playing honestly and following rules
• Safety – Being careful to avoid harm

Differentiation

For slower learners: The teacher will provide extra demonstrations and allow them to observe a few rounds before actively participating. They can be paired with faster learners for support. The teacher will simplify instructions and focus on one rule at a time.

For faster learners: These pupils can be encouraged to help set up the play area and assist slower learners. They can also be challenged to explain one rule of the game to the class.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations of “Fire on the Mountain” or similar local games, search on YouTube for: Fire on the Mountain game for kids Nigeria

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a clear, safe, and open space for the game. Arrange cones or markers in a circle, making sure there is one less marker than the number of pupils. Have a whistle ready for signaling. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about local games to activate their prior knowledge. Clearly demonstrate each rule and signal for “Fire on the Mountain” before allowing pupils to play. Emphasise safety (no pushing, careful movement) and fair play throughout the practical activity. During Step 8, guide pupils to copy the main points from the Board Summary. Constantly check for understanding by asking questions and observing their participation. Provide individual support to pupils who struggle with the rules or coordination, and encourage faster learners to take on leadership roles during play.