Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure all outdoor play equipment (swings, slides, seesaws) is in good working condition and safe for use. The central idea is for pupils to identify these facilities and, most importantly, learn and demonstrate safe play practices. Prepare a clear space for outdoor activity and be ready to supervise closely, guiding pupils to take turns and follow simple safety rules. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can identify the equipment and play on it safely, respecting others.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Personal Development
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Pupils have learned about different parts of the school building.
Topic: School Facilities and Play Equipment
Subject Matter: School Facilities and Play Equipment
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify common outdoor play equipment like swings, slides, and seesaws.
- State at least two safety rules for playing on outdoor equipment.
Affective Domain
- Show willingness to follow safety rules when playing.
- Express enjoyment in playing safely with others.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate safe use of a swing, slide, or seesaw under supervision.
Social Domain
- Take turns and share play equipment with classmates.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
Instructional Materials
- Actual swings, slides, and seesaws on the school playground.
- Pictures or flashcards of children playing safely on swings, slides, and seesaws.
- A simple chart showing safety rules with pictures.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it helps them recognise and appreciate the play facilities available at school. Learning about safe play equipment use promotes physical development, prevents accidents, and fosters social skills like sharing and turn-taking, which are crucial for their overall personal development.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen or used some play equipment before and have a basic understanding of following simple instructions from their teacher.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
School Facilities and Play Equipment
Our school has many places and things that help us learn and play. Some of these are called ‘facilities’ and ‘play equipment’.
What are Play Equipment?
Play equipment are special things in our school compound that we use for fun and exercise. They help us play and grow strong.
- Swings: We sit on them and swing back and forth.
- Slides: We climb up and slide down quickly.
- Seesaws: Two people sit on opposite ends and go up and down.
Playing Safely
It is very important to play safely so we don’t get hurt or hurt our friends. Here are some safety rules:
- Always wait for your turn.
- Don’t push or shove others.
- Hold on tight when you are on a swing or seesaw.
- Slide down feet first.
- Stay away from moving swings and seesaws.
- Tell a teacher if you see something broken or unsafe.
Safety Play Rhyme
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Playground fun, oh what a joy,
For every girl and every boy.
Wait your turn, don’t push a friend,
Safety rules, until the end.
Hold on tight, slide feet first down,
Safest player in the town!
Actions:
- “Playground fun, oh what a joy”: Clap hands happily.
- “For every girl and every boy”: Point to self and friends.
- “Wait your turn, don’t push a friend”: Hold up a finger, then gently push air away.
- “Safety rules, until the end”: Nod head.
- “Hold on tight, slide feet first down”: Pretend to hold handles, then make sliding motion with hands.
- “Safest player in the town!”: Give a thumbs up.
Watch and Learn About Safe Play
Key Words
- Swings – equipment for swinging back and forth.
- Slides – equipment for sliding down.
- Seesaw – equipment for two people to go up and down.
- Safe – not in danger, without harm.
- Play – to do fun activities.
- Turn – waiting for your chance.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by asking pupils about their favourite parts of the school. Introduce the idea of outdoor play equipment. Use pictures or point to actual equipment if visible from the classroom to help pupils identify swings, slides, and seesaws. Discuss what each piece of equipment is used for. Emphasize the importance of playing safely and explain each safety rule in simple, clear language, demonstrating the correct actions.
What to show or demonstrate: Show pictures of each play equipment. Physically demonstrate (or have a helper demonstrate) how to hold on to a swing, how to slide feet first, and how a seesaw works. Show the difference between safe and unsafe actions (e.g., pushing vs. waiting for a turn).
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Safety Play Rhyme” after discussing the rules. Sing it slowly first, demonstrating the actions. Repeat it several times, encouraging pupils to join in with the words and actions. Use it as a fun way to reinforce the safety messages.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a short cartoon that will show them more about playing safely. Play the video. After watching, ask pupils to recall one or two safety tips they saw in the video. Reinforce the key messages from the video about waiting, holding on, and not pushing.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly name the equipment. During the practical outdoor session, watch for pupils who might forget to wait for their turn, push others, or not hold on properly. Gently correct and remind them of the rules.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some places they like in the school. The teacher then introduces the topic of outdoor play equipment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the lesson topic.
Step 2: Identifying Play Equipment
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures of swings, slides, and seesaws, or points to the actual equipment if visible. The teacher names each one clearly and asks pupils to repeat the names.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the pictures/equipment, listen to the names, and repeat after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name common outdoor play equipment.
Step 3: Discussing How to Use Equipment
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils what they do on each piece of equipment (e.g., “What do we do on a slide?”). The teacher then introduces the idea of playing *safely*.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their ideas about using the equipment and listen to the teacher’s explanation about safety.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic function of each equipment and the need for safety.
Step 4: Learning Safety Rules
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Instruction/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains simple safety rules for using swings, slides, and seesaws (e.g., waiting for turns, holding on tight, sliding feet first). The teacher demonstrates the correct actions for each rule.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the safety rules, observe the demonstrations, and try to imitate simple safe actions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn specific safety rules for outdoor play equipment.
Step 5: Rhyme and Video Reinforcement
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Visual Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Safety Play Rhyme” with actions. The teacher then plays the short video on playground safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and watch the video attentively, observing the safe play examples.
Learning Point: Safety rules are reinforced through song and visual examples.
Step 6: Guided Outdoor Play Practice
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher takes pupils to the playground. The teacher briefly reminds them of the safety rules and then supervises closely as pupils take turns to play safely on the swings, slides, and seesaws.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise playing on the equipment, remembering to follow the safety rules and take turns.
Learning Point: Pupils apply safety rules in a practical play setting.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Can you point to the slide?”
- “What is one safety rule when you are on the swing?”
- “Show me how you would slide down safely.”
- “Why is it important to wait for your turn?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their good behaviour and safe play. The teacher reminds them to always play safely and responsibly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the teacher’s encouragement.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to continue practising safe play habits.
Lesson Keywords
- Swings – for swinging back and forth.
- Slides – for sliding down.
- Seesaw – for going up and down with a friend.
- Safe – playing without getting hurt.
- Play – having fun with games and equipment.
- Turn – waiting for your chance to play.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are hesitant or struggle with rules, pair them with a more confident peer. Provide extra verbal cues and gentle physical guidance (e.g., hand-over-hand for holding on). Focus on one piece of equipment at a time.
- Extension: Encourage advanced pupils to identify other outdoor facilities in the school compound (e.g., field, garden). Ask them to draw their favourite play equipment and two safety rules for it.
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