Safety precautions and fair play in local games for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
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: Rules and correct performance of Fire on the Mountain
Topic: Local Games: Safety Precautions
Subject Matter: Safety precautions, fair play in local games

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• i. mention safety precautions in local games;

Affective Domain

• ii. value fair play in local games;
• iii. appreciate the importance of safety awareness;

Psychomotor Domain

• iv. observe safety precautions while playing local games;
• v. perform selected local games correctly while observing safety precautions.

Social Domain

• vi. interact safely and respectfully with other players.

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 Primary 1 by various authors
• 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 teaches pupils how to play local games safely and fairly, preventing injuries and promoting positive social interaction. Understanding safety precautions helps pupils enjoy physical activities without harm, while fair play builds good sportsmanship and respect for others. These skills are essential for their physical development and social well-being.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned and played some local games in earlier lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Local Games: Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions to Observe in Local Games

When playing local games, it is important to follow these safety rules:

1. Always play in a safe, open area that is free from sharp objects, holes, or other dangers.
2. Avoid pushing, hitting, or dangerous chasing of other players to prevent injuries.
3. Stay within the agreed playing boundaries to avoid running into unsafe areas.
4. Listen carefully to the teacher’s or game leader’s stop signals, like a whistle, and stop immediately.

Fair Play in Local Games

Fair play means playing honestly and showing respect for others. It includes:

1. Following all the rules of the game.
2. Being kind and caring towards other players, especially if someone falls or gets hurt.
3. Not cheating or trying to trick other players.
4. Accepting victory and defeat gracefully.

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: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some local games they enjoy playing. The teacher then introduces the topic of safety precautions and fair play in these games.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and name local games like ‘Tug of War’, ‘Suwe’, ‘Who is in the garden?’.

Learning Point: Local games recap

Step 2: Discussing Safe Playing Area

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of playing in a safe, open space. The teacher asks pupils to identify potential dangers in a playing area and how to avoid them, using examples.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify potential dangers like stones or broken bottles, and suggest ways to ensure a safe playing area.

Learning Point: Safe playing area

Step 3: Rules Against Dangerous Actions

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses rules against pushing, hitting, or dangerous chasing during games. The teacher demonstrates safe ways to interact during play.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and discuss why these actions are dangerous, promising to avoid them.

Learning Point: Avoiding dangerous actions

Step 4: Keeping Within Boundaries and Stop Signals

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Instruction/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the need to stay within game boundaries and listen to stop signals. The teacher demonstrates how to use cones as markers and how to respond to a whistle.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify boundaries and practice stopping quickly when they hear a whistle.

Learning Point: Game boundaries and signals

Step 5: Fair Play and Care for Others

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Value Instillation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the concept of fair play, emphasizing being kind, not cheating, and caring for other players. The teacher asks pupils how they can show fair play.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share ideas on how to be fair and caring during games, such as helping a fallen friend.

Learning Point: Importance of fair play

Step 6: Replaying a Game with Rules

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to replay a selected local game (e.g., ‘Suwe’) while actively observing all the safety and fair play rules discussed. The teacher monitors their play.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils play the selected game, consciously applying the safety precautions and fair play rules.

Learning Point: Practising safe play

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. Mention two safety precautions we should observe when playing local games.
2. Why is it important to play in a safe area?
3. What does “fair play” mean?
4. How can you show care for another player during a game?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Safety and fair play understanding

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 safety precautions and fair play in local games 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: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reminding pupils that playing safely and fairly makes local games fun for everyone. The teacher encourages them to always remember these rules.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and affirm their understanding of the importance of safety and fair play.

Learning Point: Consolidating safe play

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Draw a picture of yourself playing a local game safely and fairly. Label two safety precautions you are observing in your drawing.

1. Draw a picture showing you playing ‘Suwe’ in a safe area.
2. In your drawing, show yourself not pushing another player.
3. Write down one safety rule you followed.

Lesson Keywords

• Safety – Being protected from danger or harm.
• Precautions – Actions taken to prevent something bad from happening.
• Fair play – Playing by the rules and showing respect for others.
• Local games – Traditional games played in a particular community or country.
• Boundaries – The lines or limits of a playing area.

Differentiation

For pupils who struggle, the teacher will provide more direct demonstrations of safe actions and simplify the rules. Faster learners can be encouraged to identify more safety hazards or suggest additional fair play rules for different games.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual reinforcement, search on YouTube for: Primary 1 safety in local games Nigeria

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure the chosen activity space is clear of any hazards and suitable for active play. Have cones or markers ready to define boundaries and a whistle for stop signals. Begin by engaging pupils in a discussion about local games they already know, then transition to discussing safety and fair play. Use clear, simple language and demonstrate each safety precaution. Encourage pupils to actively participate in the discussions and practical activities. During the replaying of a game, closely observe pupils to ensure they are applying the rules correctly. Provide immediate feedback and gentle corrections. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes after the practical activities and evaluation. Emphasise that safety and fair play are not just for school but for all games they play at home or with friends. Check for understanding by asking questions throughout the lesson and during the evaluation phase. Support weaker learners by pairing them with stronger ones and providing extra visual cues. Challenge faster learners to explain the consequences of not following safety rules.