Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare a bowl of clean water, pictures or charts showing different water sources (tap, well, river, rain) and various uses of water (bathing, washing, drinking, cooking). The central idea for pupils is to understand that water is essential and has many uses at home and school. Ensure a safe and clean environment for practical demonstrations. Pupils will show successful learning by pointing to pictures and verbally naming at least two uses of water.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 5
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Pre-Science
Curriculum Theme: Pre-Science
Previous Lesson: Identifying different objects in the classroom and at home.
Topic: Water
Subject Matter: Uses of Water at Home and School
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify water when presented.
- Name at least two sources of water.
- Mention at least two uses of water at home.
- Mention at least two uses of water at school.
Affective Domain
- Show appreciation for water as a useful resource.
- Participate in activities related to water use.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to pictures showing different uses of water.
- Demonstrate simple actions like “washing hands” or “drinking” water.
Social Domain
- Share ideas with peers about how they use water.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
- Relevant picture charts and posters on water and its uses
Instructional Materials
- A bowl of clean water
- Charts showing water sources (tap, well, river, rain)
- Posters depicting various uses of water (bathing, washing, cooking, drinking, cleaning)
- MP4 Player (for video, if available)
- Small cups for demonstration (optional)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 2-year-olds as it introduces them to water, a fundamental element in their daily lives. Understanding the different uses of water helps them appreciate its value, develop good hygiene habits, and connect classroom learning to their home and school environments, fostering early scientific observation skills.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify common objects around them and have some awareness of daily routines like bathing and eating.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Uses of Water at Home and School
What is Water?
Water is a clear liquid. It has no colour, no taste, and no smell. It is very important for us to live and stay healthy.
Where do we get water from?
- Tap: Water comes out of the tap in our homes and schools.
- Well: We can get water from a deep hole in the ground called a well.
- River/Stream: This is natural flowing water we see outside.
- Rain: Water falls from the sky when it rains.
Uses of Water at Home
- Drinking: We drink clean water to stay healthy and strong.
- Bathing: We use water to bath and keep our bodies clean.
- Washing clothes: Water helps us wash our clothes to make them neat.
- Washing dishes: We use water to wash plates, cups, and spoons after eating.
- Cooking food: Mummy uses water to cook our delicious food.
- Flushing the toilet: Water helps to clean the toilet.
Uses of Water at School
- Washing hands: We wash our hands with water before eating and after using the toilet.
- Drinking: We drink water during break time to quench our thirst.
- Flushing the toilet: Water helps keep the school toilets clean.
- Cleaning the classroom: We use water to clean our classroom to make it neat.
- Watering plants: We give water to plants in our school garden so they can grow big.
Key Words
- Water – A clear liquid that has no colour, taste, or smell.
- Clean – Free from dirt.
- Bath – To wash your body with water.
- Wash – To clean something with water.
- Drink – To take liquid into your mouth and swallow.
Water Uses Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Water, water, everywhere,
Clean and clear, beyond compare.
We drink it, wash and bath, you see,
Water makes us healthy, free!
Water, water, good for all,
Helps us stand up strong and tall.
Actions: Mimic drinking water, rubbing hands together for washing, and pretending to scrub body for bathing.
Watch and Learn About Water
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by showing the bowl of water and asking pupils “What is this?” and “What does it look like?” Describe water’s properties simply. Use the charts and posters to introduce water sources and uses. Point to each picture and name the source or use clearly, asking pupils to repeat. Emphasize the importance of clean water.
What to show or demonstrate: Hold up the bowl of water. Point to pictures of a tap, well, river, and rain. Demonstrate actions like drinking, washing hands, and bathing while naming the uses. Encourage pupils to imitate the actions.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Water Uses Song” after discussing some uses. Sing it slowly, line by line, with actions. Repeat the song 2-3 times, encouraging pupils to join in with the words and actions. Explain that the song reminds us how useful water is.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see more uses of water. Play the video on the MP4 player. After watching, ask pupils to name one thing they saw people doing with water in the video. Encourage them to mimic some actions from the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can identify water, point to pictures of its uses, and repeat the names of uses. Correct any mispronunciations gently and reinforce correct actions.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Imitation
- Manipulation of Objects (bowl of water)
- Repetition
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they did before coming to school (e.g., “Did you bath today?”). The teacher then shows a bowl of clean water and asks, “What is this?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and share simple activities. They look at the bowl of water and may say “water.”
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the topic of water.
Step 2: Exploring Water Properties and Sources
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Observation/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes water (clear, no smell, no taste) and shows charts of water sources (tap, well, river, rain). The teacher names each source and asks pupils to repeat.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the water and charts. They repeat the names of water sources after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn that water is clear and comes from different places.
Step 3: Uses of Water at Home
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows posters depicting uses of water at home (bathing, drinking, washing clothes/dishes, cooking). The teacher names each use and demonstrates a simple action for it, asking pupils to imitate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the posters, listen to the teacher, and imitate the actions for each use of water.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand various uses of water at home.
Step 4: Uses of Water at School
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Connecting/Relating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows posters of water uses at school (washing hands, drinking, cleaning classroom, watering plants). The teacher relates these to pupils’ daily school activities.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the posters and connect the uses to their school experiences. They may point to actions they do at school.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how water is used in their school environment.
Step 5: Rhyme and Video Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcing/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Water Uses Song” with actions. Then, the teacher plays the short educational video on uses of water for children.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the song with actions. They watch the video and observe different uses of water.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning through song and visual media.
Step 6: Guided Practice and Application
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitating/Practising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points to different pictures of water uses and asks pupils, “What is water used for here?” The teacher encourages pupils to name the use or perform the action.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming the use of water or performing the corresponding action (e.g., “drinking,” “washing hands”).
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge by identifying uses of water from pictures and actions.
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.
- Show me the water.
- Point to a picture where water is used for bathing.
- What do we use water for at home? (e.g., “drinking,” “washing”)
- What do we use water for at school? (e.g., “washing hands,” “watering plants”)
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: Summarising/Closing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them that water is very important for life and for keeping clean. The teacher leads a final round of the “Water Uses Song.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and sing the song one more time.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of water and end the lesson on a positive note.
Lesson Keywords
- Water – A clear liquid that has no colour, taste, or smell.
- Clean – Free from dirt.
- Bath – To wash your body with water.
- Wash – To clean something with water.
- Drink – To take liquid into your mouth and swallow.
- Tap – A device that controls the flow of water.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, the teacher can use larger, very clear pictures, focus on only two main uses (e.g., drinking and bathing), and provide hand-over-hand guidance for actions. Repeat key words and phrases more frequently.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher can ask them to name an additional use of water not discussed, or ask them to identify a picture of a water source and a picture of its use. They can also be encouraged to describe the colour of water.
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