Rats and Rabbits Game, Rules and Performance for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 7
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: Face float and turtle float
Topic: Local Games: Rats And Rabbits
Subject Matter: Rules and correct performance of Rats and Rabbits

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the name of the local game “Rats and Rabbits.”
• State at least two basic rules of the “Rats and Rabbits” game.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of fair play and safety during games.
• Show tolerance and cooperation with other players.

Psychomotor Domain

• Perform the local game “Rats and Rabbits” correctly, demonstrating running and chasing skills.
• Participate safely within the marked play area.

Social Domain

• Interact positively with peers while playing 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 (e.g., playground, field)
• Appropriate sportswear (for demonstration and pupils’ participation)
• Diagram or drawing of the game setup (optional)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps Primary 1 pupils learn “Rats and Rabbits,” a simple local game. It promotes physical activity, develops motor skills like running and chasing, and teaches important values such as fair play, safety, and teamwork. Understanding local games also connects pupils to their cultural heritage and encourages social interaction.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of simple physical activities and understand the importance of playing safely.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Local Games: Rats And Rabbits

Introduction to Rats and Rabbits Game

Rats and Rabbits is a fun local game played by children. It helps us run, chase, and play together.

Players and Play Area

1. Players: The game needs at least two players, but it is more fun with many children. One player is the “Rat” and another is the “Rabbit.”
2. Play Area: We need an open, safe space like a playground or field. The teacher will mark a boundary where we can play.

Materials or Markings Needed

1. Markers: Cones or other safe objects are used to mark the boundaries of the play area.
2. Whistle: The teacher may use a whistle to start and stop the game.

Basic Rules of the Game

1. The game starts with players standing in two lines facing each other, with a “home” line behind each team.
2. The teacher calls out either “Rats!” or “Rabbits!”
3. If “Rats!” is called, the “Rats” team tries to chase and tag the “Rabbits” team.
4. If “Rabbits!” is called, the “Rabbits” team tries to chase and tag the “Rats” team.
5. Players who are tagged before reaching their “home” line become part of the other team.
6. The game continues until one team has all the players or a set time ends.

How Play Starts and Ends

1. Start: The game starts when the teacher calls out “Rats!” or “Rabbits!”
2. End: The game ends when one team catches all the players from the other team, or when the teacher blows the whistle to stop the game.

Skills Used During the Game

1. Running
2. Chasing
3. Dodging
4. Quick reaction
5. Teamwork

Fair Play and Safe Participation

1. Always play fairly by following the rules.
2. Do not push or trip other players.
3. Stop immediately when the teacher blows the whistle.
4. Respect other players and be a good sport.
5. Ensure the play area is clear of obstacles before starting.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Group Work, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Question and Answer

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about local games they know or have played. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Local Games: Rats and Rabbits.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively.

Learning Point: Familiar local games

Step 2: Explanation of Game

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the name of the game, the number of players, the play area, and the basic rules of “Rats and Rabbits.” The teacher also explains how the game starts and ends.

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

Learning Point: Rats and Rabbits rules

Step 3: Demonstration

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to play “Rats and Rabbits,” showing how players stand, how to chase, and how to tag. The teacher also highlights safe movements and fair play.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully.

Learning Point: Correct game performance

Step 4: Guided Practice

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and guides them to practice the game. The teacher provides immediate feedback and corrects any errors in understanding or performance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice playing “Rats and Rabbits” under the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Game practice and correction

Step 5: Group Play

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Observation/Facilitation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher allows pupils to play the “Rats and Rabbits” game in larger groups, ensuring they follow the rules and play safely within the marked boundaries. The teacher observes and intervenes if necessary.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils play the game in groups, applying the learned rules and skills.

Learning Point: Safe group game play

Step 6: Reinforcement

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gathers the pupils and reinforces the importance of fair play, safety, and the skills used in the game. The teacher praises good sportsmanship.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their experiences and listen to the reinforcement.

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 two teams in the game?
3. What happens if the teacher calls “Rats!”?
4. Mention one skill you used while playing “Rats and Rabbits.”
5. Why is it important to play safely?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Game rules and safety

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 on “Rats and Rabbits” into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording game information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils about the fun and learning from playing “Rats and Rabbits” and encourages them to practice local games safely.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and participate in a final cheer.

Learning Point: Game enjoyment and value

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Ask your parents or guardians to help you play “Rats and Rabbits” with your friends or siblings at home. Remember to play safely and fairly.

1. Draw a picture of yourself playing “Rats and Rabbits.”
2. Tell your parents two rules of the game.

Lesson Keywords

• Rats – One of the teams in the game that chases.
• Rabbits – The other team in the game that is chased.
• Local Game – A traditional game played in a particular community.
• Fair Play – Playing honestly and following the rules.
• Safety – Being careful to avoid harm or injury.

Differentiation

Support for Weaker Learners: The teacher will pair weaker learners with stronger ones during practice sessions and provide extra guidance on the basic movements and rules. Simplified roles can be assigned, such as being a “home” line guard initially.

Extension for Faster Learners: Faster learners can be encouraged to demonstrate good sportsmanship and leadership by helping to explain rules to others or by taking on more challenging roles within the game, such as being the main chaser or dodger.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations of similar chasing games, teachers can search on YouTube for: Primary 1 local chasing games Nigeria

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure a clear, safe, and adequately sized outdoor space is available. Mark the boundaries clearly using cones or other visible markers. Review the rules of “Rats and Rabbits” thoroughly so you can explain and demonstrate them confidently. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about other local games they know to build interest. During the demonstration, focus on clear, simple movements and verbal instructions suitable for Primary 1 pupils. Emphasise safety rules like not pushing or tripping. Allow ample time for guided practice and group play, constantly observing for fair play and safety. Use a whistle to manage the game effectively. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes after the main activities and evaluation, ensuring they capture the key rules and safety points. Encourage all pupils to participate and provide positive reinforcement for effort and good sportsmanship.