Stepping and hopping for Primary 1

Class: Primary One
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical And Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Motor Skills Development
Focal competence: Moving the body using basic actions safely and with control to build coordination
Key competencies/values: Respect
Skills:

• Applying skills of body movements during walking, sitting and bending etc

Previous Lesson: Bending, running and jumping
Topic: Moving Our Body Parts 2: Stepping And Hopping
Subject Matter: Stepping, hopping

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the difference between stepping and hopping.
• State why balance is important when moving.

Psychomotor Domain

• Perform stepping correctly (forward, backward, sideways).
• Perform hopping correctly on one foot.
• Demonstrate changing direction safely while stepping or hopping.
• Combine steps and hops in a short movement pattern.

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 1 Physical and Health Education Textbook
• 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 for developing pupils’ fundamental motor skills, which are essential for physical development and participation in various sports and daily activities. Mastering stepping and hopping improves balance, coordination, and body control, laying a strong foundation for more complex movements.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of moving their body parts and have previously engaged in simple movements like walking and bending.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Moving Our Body Parts 2: Stepping And Hopping

Stepping

Stepping is moving your foot in a particular direction and placing it on the ground. It involves shifting your weight from one foot to the other.

Types of stepping movements:

1. Stepping Forward: Moving one foot ahead and placing it down, then bringing the other foot to meet or pass it.
2. Stepping Backward: Moving one foot behind and placing it down, then bringing the other foot to meet or pass it.
3. Stepping Sideways: Moving one foot to the side and placing it down, then bringing the other foot to meet it.

It is important to maintain balance when stepping to avoid falling.

Hopping

Hopping is jumping on one foot. You lift one foot off the ground and use the other foot to push off and land repeatedly.

Key points for hopping:

1. Lift one foot off the ground.
2. Bend the knee of the standing leg slightly.
3. Push off the ground with the standing foot.
4. Land softly on the same foot.
5. Try to keep your balance.

Combining Stepping and Hopping

We can combine stepping and hopping to create different movement patterns. For example, a pupil can take two steps forward and then hop three times on one foot, then change direction and repeat.

When combining movements or changing direction, it is important to:

1. Move slowly and carefully at first.
2. Look where you are going.
3. Maintain good balance.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Warming up/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, leads them in a simple warm-up exercise (e.g., gentle stretching, marching in place), and asks them about different ways they can move their bodies.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, participate in warm-up exercises, and mention various body movements.

Learning Point: Body movement awareness

Step 2: Introduction to Stepping

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what stepping is and demonstrates stepping forward, backward, and sideways using clear, slow movements. The teacher uses cones to mark points for stepping.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully and listen to the explanation.

Learning Point: Understanding stepping movements

Step 3: Guided Practice of Stepping

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Correction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice stepping forward, backward, and sideways individually. The teacher provides feedback and encourages them to maintain balance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice stepping in different directions, focusing on balance and control.

Learning Point: Correct stepping technique

Step 4: Introduction to Hopping

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what hopping is and demonstrates hopping on one foot. The teacher reminds pupils to keep their balance and land softly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and listen to the explanation of hopping.

Learning Point: Understanding hopping movement

Step 5: Guided Practice of Hopping

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice hopping on one foot, encouraging them to alternate feet and focus on balance. The teacher corrects any unsafe movements.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice hopping on one foot, trying to maintain balance and control.

Learning Point: Correct hopping technique

Step 6: Combining Stepping and Hopping with Direction Change

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Application/Integration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates a simple movement pattern combining steps and hops, including changing direction. For example, “Step, step, hop, hop, turn, step, step, hop, hop.” The teacher then guides pupils to try this pattern.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to follow the combined movement pattern, focusing on changing direction safely.

Learning Point: Combined movements and balance

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. Show me how to step forward.
2. Show me how to hop on one foot.
3. What is important when you are stepping or hopping so you don’t fall?
4. Can you show me a movement that combines stepping and hopping?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Stepping and hopping mastery

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 stepping and hopping into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their efforts and reminds them to practice these movements safely at home. The teacher emphasizes the importance of physical activity.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and acknowledge the importance of practice.

Learning Point: Importance of physical activity

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Practice Exercise

Instruction: Practice these movements at home in a safe space and be ready to demonstrate them next week.

1. Practice stepping forward, backward, and sideways 5 times each.
2. Practice hopping on your right foot 10 times, then on your left foot 10 times.
3. Try to create your own short movement pattern using steps and hops.

Lesson Keywords

• Stepping – Moving one foot and placing it down, shifting weight.
• Hopping – Jumping on one foot repeatedly.
• Balance – Keeping steady and not falling.
• Coordination – Using different body parts together smoothly.

Differentiation

Support for weaker learners: Provide extra demonstrations and one-on-one guidance for pupils struggling with balance or coordination. Allow them to hold onto a partner or wall for support initially. Focus on mastering one movement (e.g., stepping forward) before moving to others.

Extension for faster learners: Challenge them to perform longer sequences of steps and hops, incorporate more complex direction changes (e.g., stepping in a square), or hop for a longer duration while maintaining balance.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further visual understanding, search on YouTube for:

• “Primary 1 stepping and hopping exercises”
• “Basic motor skills for kids stepping hopping”
• “Physical education stepping activities for young children”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure the activity space is clear and safe from any obstructions. Have your cones or markers ready for setting up simple paths or points. Begin with a thorough warm-up to prepare pupils’ muscles and prevent injuries. When demonstrating stepping and hopping, perform the movements slowly and clearly, breaking them down into simple actions. Observe each pupil carefully during practice, providing immediate and constructive feedback on their balance, control, and technique. Encourage pupils to try both stepping and hopping with confidence. For the note-taking stage (Step 8), guide pupils to copy the Board Summary neatly into their notebooks. Emphasize that safety is paramount throughout all physical activities. Check for understanding by asking pupils to demonstrate the movements and answer simple questions about balance and safety.