Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical And Health Education
Previous Lesson: Exercises To Develop Strength, Endurance and Flexibility
Topic: Safety Precautions While Performing Exercises
Subject Matter: Safety Precautions While Performing Exercises.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify safety precautions to observe before, during, and after exercises.
(b) Explain the reasons why safety precautions are important in exercising.
Affective Domain:
(a) Show concern for their own safety and that of others while exercising.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate correct exercise postures and safe practices.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in pairs or groups to practice safe exercise routines.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Better Health Channel – “Exercise Safety” (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-safety)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing safe and unsafe exercise postures
Pictures or flashcards of safety equipment (sneakers, water bottle, mats)
A stopwatch and whistle for demonstration
Whiteboard and marker
First aid box for illustration

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding safety precautions during exercise reduces the risk of injuries, promotes healthy fitness practices, and encourages lifelong habits of safe physical activity.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have engaged in basic fitness activities and already know simple exercises, hence they can relate to the idea of practicing safety while exercising.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Safety Precautions While Performing Exercises

Meaning of Safety Precautions in Exercises

Safety precautions in exercises are the careful steps and actions taken before, during, and after exercising to prevent accidents, injuries, and ensure good health.

Safety Precautions Before Exercises

Before starting exercise, one must prepare the body and environment to avoid harm.
The following are safety precautions before exercises:

Wear proper exercise clothes and shoes.
Warm up the body with light movements.
Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Check that the exercise area is safe and free from sharp objects.
Avoid exercising on a full stomach.

Safety Precautions During Exercises

While exercising, attention must be given to posture, movements, and limits of the body.
The following are safety precautions during exercises:

Perform exercises with the correct posture.
Avoid overexertion or going beyond body limits.
Follow the instructions of the coach or teacher.
Stop immediately if there is pain or unusual discomfort.
Breathe properly and steadily during activities.

Safety Precautions After Exercises

After exercise, the body should be allowed to return to normal gradually.
The following are safety precautions after exercises:

Cool down with light stretching.
Rest for a while to regain strength.
Drink water to replace lost fluids.
Take a shower to refresh the body.
Report any injury to a teacher, coach, or health worker.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Group Work, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher tells a short story of a pupil who was injured during exercise because safety rules were ignored.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and respond to questions.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the importance of safety in exercises.

Step 2: Safety Precautions Before Exercises

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains and lists safety precautions before exercising with the help of charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and note key points.
Learning Point: Pupils identify safety precautions to take before exercises.

Step 3: Safety Precautions During Exercises

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains safety precautions during exercise and demonstrates correct postures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in discussion and practice proper exercise postures.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and demonstrate safe practices during exercises.

Step 4: Safety Precautions After Exercises

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains and demonstrates cool-down exercises and safe recovery steps.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice light stretching and share their experiences after exercises.
Learning Point: Pupils learn safety precautions after exercise.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the summarized lesson content on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of lesson points.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Mention three safety precautions before exercising.
List two safety precautions during exercises.
State two safety precautions after exercises.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils recall and apply the safety precautions learned.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to always follow safety rules while exercising.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the need for safety in all physical activities.

Home Task: Describe or illustrate one lesson example of Safety Precautions While Performing Exercises and include one safety or performance rule. Do not practise a risky activity without adult supervision.

Lesson Keywords

Precautions – steps taken to prevent harm
Hydration – supplying the body with enough water
Posture – the correct position of the body while standing, sitting, or moving
Overexertion – pushing the body beyond its safe limit
Cooldown – light activity done after exercise to relax muscles

Differentiation

Support slower learners with repeated demonstrations, use visual aids for clarity, and engage faster learners in leading simple group exercises.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure pupils have enough space for demonstrations, supervise activities to prevent accidents, and encourage them to always practice safe exercise habits both in and outside school.