Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have the “Little Bo-Peep” rhyme chart ready and a way to play the video. The central idea is for pupils to learn the rhyme through repetition, singing, and active role-play, understanding the simple story of Bo-Peep and her lost sheep. Encourage pupils to perform the actions and show empathy for Bo-Peep, which will demonstrate successful learning.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Songs and Rhymes
Curriculum Theme: Songs and Rhymes
Previous Lesson: Recitation and singing of other simple nursery rhymes
Topic: THE BO BEEP: RECITATION, SINGING AND ROLE-PLAY
Subject Matter: THE BO BEEP. Weekly focus: The Bo Beep: Recitation, Singing and Role-Play.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Recite the rhyme “Little Bo-Peep” correctly.
- Identify the main characters in the rhyme (Bo-Peep and her sheep).
- Recall simple actions associated with the rhyme.
Affective Domain
- Show care and empathy for the character of Bo-Peep and her lost sheep.
- Enjoy participating in singing and reciting the rhyme.
- Develop an interest in learning new rhymes.
Psychomotor Domain
- Perform simple actions and movements related to the rhyme.
- Participate in a simple role-play of “Little Bo-Peep.”
Social Domain
- Participate actively in group recitation and singing.
- Take turns during role-play activities.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Chart with the lyrics of “Little Bo-Peep”
- Pictures of Bo-Peep and sheep
- Puppets or simple props (e.g., a shepherd’s crook, toy sheep) for role-play
- Video display (TV, projector, tablet) for the rhyme video
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning “Little Bo-Peep” at this age helps pupils develop language skills, memory, and rhythm. It encourages imaginative play through role-playing and fosters empathy as children relate to Bo-Peep’s concern for her lost sheep. This rhyme also introduces simple storytelling and sequencing in a fun, engaging way.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have heard and recited other simple nursery rhymes and can follow basic instructions and actions.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
THE BO BEEP: Recitation, Singing and Role-Play
“Little Bo-Peep” is a classic nursery rhyme about a shepherdess who loses her sheep. The rhyme tells us that the sheep will eventually come home on their own.
The Rhyme: Little Bo-Peep
Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep,
And doesn’t know where to find them;
Leave them alone, and they’ll come home,
Wagging their tails behind them.
Key Actions for the Rhyme
- Little Bo-Peep: Point to self, then look around with a questioning expression.
- has lost her sheep: Shrug shoulders, look sad.
- And doesn’t know where to find them: Shake head slowly.
- Leave them alone: Make a “stop” gesture with hands.
- and they’ll come home: Wiggle fingers towards self, smiling.
- Wagging their tails behind them: Wiggle hips or hands behind the back.
Watch and Sing Along
Key Words
- Bo-Peep – The name of the shepherdess in the rhyme.
- Sheep – Farm animals with woolly coats, kept for their wool and meat.
- Lost – Unable to find something or someone.
- Wagging – Moving from side to side, usually referring to a tail.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce the rhyme by showing the chart and pictures of Bo-Peep and sheep. Recite the rhyme clearly and slowly first, then sing it. Emphasize the story of Bo-Peep losing her sheep and their return. Discuss how Bo-Peep felt and how the sheep came back.
What to show or demonstrate: Point to the words on the chart as you recite. Demonstrate each action clearly and encourage pupils to imitate you. Use puppets or props to make the characters come alive during recitation and role-play.
How to use the rhyme/song: Recite and sing the rhyme multiple times. Start with the teacher leading, then invite pupils to join in, gradually encouraging them to perform the actions independently. Repeat until most pupils can recite and perform actions.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as another way to see and hear “Little Bo-Peep.” Play the video and encourage pupils to sing along and do the actions they have learned. After watching, ask pupils what they saw and liked about the video, reinforcing the story and actions.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are following the actions, attempting to recite the words, and showing engagement. Correct pronunciation gently and encourage participation from all children, especially those who may be shy.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Role-play
- Picture Talk
- Repetition
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in a familiar short warm-up rhyme or song. The teacher then tells pupils they will learn a new, fun rhyme about a girl and her animals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along to the warm-up rhyme, and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready to learn.
Step 2: Introduction of “Little Bo-Peep”
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Introduction/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pupils a chart with the rhyme “Little Bo-Peep” and pictures of Bo-Peep and her sheep. The teacher introduces the characters and the simple idea of losing and finding something.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the chart and pictures, listen to the teacher, and identify Bo-Peep and the sheep.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise the characters and topic of the rhyme.
Step 3: Teacher Recitation and Singing
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher recites “Little Bo-Peep” clearly and slowly, performing the associated actions. The teacher then sings the rhyme with actions, repeating it twice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully, watch the teacher’s actions, and may attempt to mimic some movements.
Learning Point: Pupils hear the rhyme and observe the actions.
Step 4: Guided Recitation and Singing
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites pupils to join in reciting and singing the rhyme, guiding them through the words and actions. The teacher provides support and encouragement, repeating lines as needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recite and sing along with the teacher, performing the actions together.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to learn the rhyme and actions through guided practice.
Step 5: Role-Play and Actions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Role-Play/Creative Expression
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher organizes a simple role-play. Some pupils can pretend to be Bo-Peep (using a prop like a stick for a crook), while others pretend to be sheep. The teacher guides them to act out the parts of the rhyme (Bo-Peep looking for sheep, sheep coming back).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take on roles, move around as Bo-Peep or sheep, and act out the story, showing care for the “lost” sheep.
Learning Point: Pupils engage in imaginative play, reinforcing the story and actions of the rhyme.
Step 6: Video Reinforcement
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Multimedia/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the “Little Bo-Peep” video. The teacher encourages pupils to sing along and perform the actions they have learned while watching.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, sing along, and perform the actions, enjoying the visual and auditory reinforcement.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning of the rhyme and actions through a visual aid.
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.
- “Who is the girl in our rhyme?” (Bo-Peep)
- “What did Bo-Peep lose?” (Her sheep)
- “Can you show me the action for ‘wagging their tails’?”
- Ask pupils to recite or sing the first two lines of the rhyme.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Praise
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their active participation and effort in learning “Little Bo-Peep.” The teacher reminds them to keep practising the rhyme at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond to the teacher’s praise.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and motivated to continue learning.
Lesson Keywords
- Bo-Peep – The name of the shepherdess in the rhyme.
- Sheep – Farm animals with woolly coats.
- Lost – Not able to be found.
- Wagging – Moving a tail from side to side.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling with the words, the teacher can use hand-over-hand actions, focus on repeating just one line at a time, or have them join in on only the actions while listening to others sing.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the rhyme, the teacher can encourage them to lead a small group in recitation, ask them to identify other animals that might get lost, or create a simple drawing of Bo-Peep and her sheep.
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