Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Dear teacher, for this lesson, ensure you prepare by identifying various common objects within your classroom and a safe, accessible part of the school compound. The central concept is for pupils to observe, identify, and name these items, understanding their uses. Emphasise safety during the outdoor observation activity. By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to confidently name and describe several items found in and around their learning environment.
Class: Primary 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 6 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Basic Science
Curriculum Theme: Our Environment
Focal competence: Observing and identifying things in the surroundings
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Environmental Literacy
Skills:
- Observing and identifying things in the environment
Previous Lesson: Meaning of environment and familiar parts of the immediate environment
Topic: Things In And Around The Classroom And School
Subject Matter: Things found in and around the classroom and school
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify various things found inside the classroom.
- Identify various things found around the school compound.
- Describe selected things found in and around the school.
Affective Domain
- Show appreciation for the items in their learning environment.
- Collaborate with peers during observation activities.
Psychomotor Domain
- Observe different objects in and around the classroom.
- Point to and name familiar classroom and school items.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Basic Science for Primary 1 Textbook
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Actual classroom objects (e.g., table, chair, chalkboard, duster, book, pencil, bag)
- Pictures of common school compound objects (e.g., trees, flowers, swing, fence, gate, tap, dustbin)
- Chart showing different items in and around the school
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils become more aware of their immediate environment by identifying common objects around them. Understanding these items and their uses builds foundational knowledge about their surroundings and promotes a sense of responsibility towards their learning space.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can recognise and name some common objects they see at home or in their immediate surroundings.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Things In And Around The Classroom And School
Things Found Inside the Classroom
The classroom is where we learn. Many things help us learn and stay comfortable.
- Chairs: For pupils and teachers to sit.
- Tables/Desks: For pupils and teachers to place books and write.
- Chalkboard/Whiteboard: For the teacher to write and draw.
- Duster/Marker: For cleaning the board or writing on it.
- Books: For reading and learning.
- Pencils/Pens: For writing.
- Bags: For carrying books and other school items.
- Cupboard: For storing books and materials.
- Fan: To keep the classroom cool.
- Window: To let in light and air.
- Door: For entering and leaving the classroom.
Things Found Around the Classroom and School Compound
The school compound has many things that make our school beautiful and useful.
- Trees: Provide shade and fresh air.
- Flowers: Make the school compound beautiful.
- Playground equipment: Such as swings and slides for playing.
- Fence/Wall: To keep the school safe.
- Gate: For entering and leaving the school.
- Tap/Water source: For drinking water and washing hands.
- Dustbin: For putting rubbish to keep the school clean.
- Other classrooms: Where other pupils learn.
- School office: Where the headteacher and other staff work.
- Assembly ground: Where all pupils gather.
Uses of Familiar Classroom and School Items
Every item in our classroom and school has a special use.
- We sit on chairs.
- We write on desks.
- The teacher writes on the chalkboard.
- We read books.
- We play on the playground.
- We put rubbish in the dustbin.
- We wash our hands at the tap.
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: Questioning/Recalling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some things they see in their homes. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Today, we will learn about things found in and around our classroom and school.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and name items from their homes. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Familiar home objects
Step 2: Observation of Classroom Items
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Observation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to observe different objects inside the classroom. The teacher points to items like chairs, tables, chalkboard, and asks pupils to name them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the classroom items, point to them, and name them as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Naming classroom objects
Step 3: Discussion on Uses of Classroom Items
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: After naming the items, the teacher asks pupils about the uses of some of the classroom objects, e.g., “What do we use the chair for?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions about the uses of classroom items.
Learning Point: Uses of classroom items
Step 4: Observation of School Compound Items
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Observation/Safety
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher takes the pupils to a safe part of the school compound (e.g., near a tree, a tap, or the gate). The teacher points to objects like trees, flowers, dustbins, and asks pupils to identify and name them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the school compound items and name them. They follow the teacher’s safety instructions.
Learning Point: Naming school compound items
Step 5: Discussion on Uses of School Compound Items
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils about the uses of the items observed in the school compound, e.g., “What do we use the dustbin for?” or “What do trees give us?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about the uses of school compound items.
Learning Point: Uses of school compound items
Step 6: Reinforcement Activity
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Visuals
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures of various classroom and school compound items and asks pupils to identify and name them, and state one use for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify items from pictures and state their uses.
Learning Point: Identification and uses
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Name two things you see inside our classroom.
- Name two things you see in our school compound.
- What do we use a chair for?
- What do we use a dustbin for?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Identifying and describing items
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reminding pupils that their classroom and school compound are filled with many useful things that help them learn and play. The teacher encourages them to take care of these items.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the importance of caring for school property.
Learning Point: Importance of school items
Lesson Keywords
- Classroom – a room where pupils learn
- School compound – the area around the school building
- Observe – to look carefully at something
- Identify – to know and name something
- Uses – what something is for
Differentiation
For weaker learners: Provide more direct pointing and repetition of names of objects. Use flashcards with pictures and names to aid recognition. Pair them with stronger learners during observation activities.
For stronger learners: Ask them to name more items or describe the items in more detail (e.g., colour, size). Encourage them to draw some of the items and label them.
Suggested Lesson Videos
Search YouTube for “things in the classroom for kids” or “things in the school compound primary 1”.
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have identified specific classroom objects and a safe route for observing items in the school compound. Prepare any pictures or charts of school items if actual observation outside is limited. Start by engaging pupils with familiar objects before moving to new ones. During the observation activities, ensure all pupils participate by pointing and naming. Emphasise safety rules when moving outside the classroom. Allow pupils to copy the Board Summary after the main teaching and discussion, perhaps during the reinforcement activity or at the end of the lesson. Continuously check for understanding by asking questions and encouraging pupils to describe what they see. For weaker learners, provide extra visual cues and one-on-one guidance. For faster learners, challenge them to think about why certain items are important or where else they might see similar items.

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