Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Primary 2
Moving our body parts
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Moving our body parts
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Primary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Theme: Basic Movements
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Watch on YouTubeDemonstrate correct movement patterns of shooting and heading Perform basic movement such as bending, stretching Imitate movement and sound made by people, animals and machine around them Identify safety rules in shooting, heading, bending and stretching
This section provides a detailed explanation of the core concepts for the teacher to facilitate effective instruction.
A. Fundamental Movement Patterns: Shooting and Heading Shooting (Kicking): This is the act of using the foot to propel an object, typically a ball, towards a target.
Explanation: In the context of Primary 2, shooting refers primarily to kicking a ball. The goal is to move the ball with force and direction.
Technique: Approach: Learners should approach the ball from a slight angle.
Planting Foot: The non-kicking foot should be planted beside the ball, pointing towards the target. This provides balance and acts as a pivot.
Striking Foot: The kicking foot swings back, then forward to strike the ball. For basic shooting, the instep (top of the foot where the laces are) or the inside of the foot is used for better control.
Follow Through: After striking, the kicking leg continues to swing in the direction of the target.
Example (Nigerian Context): Children playing football (soccer) in an open field, aiming to kick the ball into a makeshift goal post made of stones or sticks. The teacher can explain how to kick a leather ball or a plastic ball safely.
Heading: This is the act of using the head to direct or propel an object, typically a ball.
Explanation: Heading involves making contact with the forehead (not the top or back of the head) to direct a ball. For young learners, this is often introduced with soft, light balls to prevent discomfort or injury.
Technique: Eyes on the Ball: Learners must watch the ball continuously.
Body Positioning: Position the body directly under the path of the incoming ball.
Contact Point: Make contact with the ball using the flat, hard part of the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
Neck Muscles: The neck muscles should be tensed slightly at the moment of impact to absorb the shock and provide power.
Follow Through: Lean into the header to direct the ball.
Example (Nigerian Context): Children playing a modified game of football where they pass a soft ball to each other using their heads, similar to how older children might header a football during a match. The teacher should emphasize using a light foam ball or a balloon for this activity.
B. Basic Movement Patterns: Bending and Stretching Bending: This is the act of moving a body part or the entire body so that it forms an angle or curve.
Explanation: Bending reduces the angle between two parts of the body, such as bending the knees, elbows, or the waist. It allows for flexibility and reaching low objects.
Examples: Bending knees: Squatting to pick up a stone.
Bending waist: Touching toes, sweeping the floor.
Bending elbow: Lifting a spoon to eat.
Example (Nigerian Context): A child bending down to pick up a fallen yam from the market stall, or bending their waist to help sweep the compound with a short broom.
Stretching: This is the act of extending a body part or the entire body to its full length or range of motion.
Explanation: Stretching increases the angle between body parts or lengthens muscles. It improves flexibility and prepares the body for activity.
Examples: Arm stretch: Reaching up to pick mangoes from a tree.
Leg stretch: Kicking a ball with a full swing.
Full body stretch: Waking up in the morning and extending limbs.
Example (Nigerian Context): A child stretching their arms overhead as if reaching for fruit on a tall tree, or stretching their legs to stand on tiptoes to see over a fence.
C. Imitating Movements and Sounds Explanation: Imitation is a fundamental way children learn and express themselves. It involves copying the physical actions and verbal sounds made by others or objects in their environment. This develops observation skills, creativity, and understanding of the world around them.
Examples (Nigerian Context): People: Imitating a market woman haggling prices, a dancer performing Bata or Gangan moves, a farmer tilling the land, a child fetching for fruit on a tall tree, or stretching their legs to stand on tiptoes to see over a fence.
C. Imitating Movements and Sounds Explanation: Imitation is a fundamental way children learn and express themselves. It involves copying the physical actions and verbal sounds made by others or objects in their environment. This develops observation skills, creativity, and understanding of the world around them.
Examples (Nigerian Context): People: Imitating a market woman haggling prices, a dancer performing Bata or Gangan moves, a farmer tilling the land, a child fetching water with a bucket on their head.
Animals: Mimicking the crawl of a snail, the hop of a frog, the flight of a bird, the bark of a dog, the bleat of a goat.
Machines: Simulating the movement of a bicycle being pedalled, the driving of a keke napep (tricycle), the churning of a grinding machine, the movement of a hand pump for water.
D. Safety Rules in Movement Activities Explanation: Safety is paramount in all physical activities to prevent injuries. Learners must understand and apply basic safety rules.
General Safety Principles: Awareness of Surroundings: Always look around before moving.
Appropriate Space: Ensure enough space for movement to avoid bumping into others or objects.
Proper Technique: Use correct form to minimize strain.
Listening to Instructions: Follow the teacher's guidance.
Specific Safety Rules: Shooting/Heading: Use soft, light balls (e.g., foam, balloon) for heading to avoid injury. Look before kicking/heading to ensure no one is in the way. Avoid kicking/heading towards people's faces or fragile objects. Do not kick with full force close to others.
Bending/Stretching: Perform movements slowly and gently; avoid sudden jerks. Do not overstretch or bend beyond a comfortable range of motion. Ensure a clear space to prevent tripping or bumping. If it hurts, stop immediately.
Imitation: Maintain personal space to avoid collisions. * Be mindful of props or objects used during imitation.
Materials: Soft foam balls, balloons, pictures of animals/people/machines, open space (classroom or playground).
A. Introduction (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Review simple body parts (head, shoulders, knees, toes). Ask learners to touch various body parts. Ask questions like, "What do we use our legs for?" "What about our hands?" "Can you move your head?" Introduce the topic: "Today, we will learn how to move our body parts in different ways, like kicking a ball, bending, and stretching, and how to stay safe while doing it." Student Activity: Respond to questions, touch body parts as instructed. Listen attentively to the introduction.
B. Demonstrating and Practicing Fundamental Movements (15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Demonstrate correct shooting technique using a soft ball (or imaginary ball if no ball is available). Emphasize planting foot, striking with instep/inside foot, and follow-through. Guide learners to practice individually in a safe, open space, aiming at a designated spot (e.g., a line drawn on the ground, a cone). Demonstrate heading technique with a very light ball or balloon. Emphasize using the forehead and slight tension in the neck. Guide learners to gently practice heading, perhaps by tossing the ball to themselves or a partner.
Student Activity: Observe teacher's demonstration of shooting and heading. Practice shooting at a target individually. Practice gentle heading with a soft ball/balloon.
C. Demonstrating and Practicing Basic Movements (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Demonstrate various bending movements (bending knees, bending waist to touch toes, bending elbows). Lead learners in performing these bending movements, ensuring they move slowly and gently. Demonstrate various stretching movements (reaching arms overhead, stretching legs by standing on tiptoes, side stretches). Lead learners in performing these stretching movements, emphasizing controlled and gentle extensions.
Student Activity: Observe teacher's demonstrations. Perform bending and stretching exercises as guided by the teacher.
D. Imitating Movements and Sounds (15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Introduce a short game: "Let's pretend." Suggest various people, animals, and machines common in Nigeria. Guide learners to imitate the movements and sounds (e.g., "Show me how a farmer digs," "Show me how a bird flies," "Sound like a keke napep," "Move like a lizard"). Encourage creativity and observe their imitations.
Student Activity: Actively participate in the "Let's pretend" game. Imitate movements and sounds of people, animals, and machines suggested by the teacher and classmates.
E. Discussing Safety Rules (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Lead a discussion: "What could happen if we are not careful when we move?" Prompt learners to identify potential dangers (e.g., hitting someone, falling, hurting oneself). Explain specific safety rules for shooting, heading, bending, and stretching (as outlined in Key Concepts). Use simple language and visual aids if available. Ask questions to check understanding (e.g., "Why should we use a soft ball for heading?").
Student Activity: Contribute to the discussion, sharing ideas about safety. Listen to and internalize the safety rules. Answer questions about safety.
F. Creative Movement and Rhythm (5 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Play simple Nigerian music or use rhythmic clapping. Encourage learners to move their bodies freely to the rhythm, incorporating bending, stretching, and other movements learned. Encourage creative expression, allowing them to move their body parts in different ways.
Student Activity: Move freely and creatively to the rhythm. Experiment with different body movements.
G. Lesson Conclusion (5 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Summarize key learning points: importance of body movement, practice of shooting/heading/bending/stretching, imitating, and safety. Reinforce the importance of moving safely. Assign simple home activity (e.g., "Show your parents how a cat stretches").
Student Activity: Listen to the summary. Ask any remaining questions. The teacher should facilitate these practices immediately after the relevant concept explanation and demonstration.
Question 1: Demonstrating Movement Patterns Activity: The teacher instructs learners to stand in an open space. "Show me how you would kick a soft ball into a small goalpost, like you are playing football." After this, "Now, show me how you would gently use your head to pass a balloon to a friend." Expected Solution &
Commentary: Shooting: Learners should position one foot beside an imaginary ball, swing the other foot to strike it forward, and follow through. The movement should show intent to propel the "ball" forward.
Heading: Learners should look forward, position their body, and make a gentle forward motion with their forehead, as if connecting with a balloon.
Commentary: The teacher observes for correct form: planting foot for kicking, using forehead for heading. Reinforce that precision and control are more important than force at this stage.
Question 2: Performing Basic Movements Activity: The teacher instructs, "Everyone, let's pretend we are picking up a small stone from the ground. How do you bend to do it without falling?" After that, "Now, pretend you are stretching to reach the top of a very tall coconut tree. How do you stretch your body?" Expected Solution &
Commentary: Bending: Learners should bend at their knees and/or waist, keeping their balance, to reach down. Some may squat fully, others will bend at the waist. Both are acceptable as long as it's controlled.
Stretching: Learners should extend their arms upwards, possibly standing on tiptoes, and lengthen their torso.
Commentary: The teacher observes the fluidity and control of the movements. Emphasize slow, gentle movements for both bending and stretching. Correct any jerky or unbalanced movements.
Question 3: Imitating Movements and Sounds Activity: The teacher says, "Let's all pretend we are different things. First, show me how a snake slithers and make its sound. Next, show me how a keke napep drives and make its sound." Expected Solution &
Commentary: Snake: Learners should get low to the ground and move their body in a wave-like motion, accompanied by a 'sssss' sound.
Keke Napep: Learners should mimic steering a handlebar and make a 'vroom vroom' or 'brrr brrr' engine sound, perhaps moving their body forward and backward slightly.
Commentary: The teacher assesses creativity, observation, and coordination. Encourage enthusiasm and different interpretations, reminding learners to respect personal space.
Question 4: Identifying Safety Rules Activity: The teacher asks, "When we kick a ball, what is one important thing we must do to be safe?" Then, "When you stretch your body, what should you remember so you don't hurt yourself?" Expected Solution &
Commentary: Kicking Safety: Expected answers include: "Look around first," "Don't kick towards someone's face," "Don't kick too hard near others," "Use a soft ball." Stretching Safety: Expected answers include: "Do it slowly," "Don't force it if it hurts," "Make sure you have space."
Commentary: The teacher notes how well learners recall the discussed safety rules. Reiterate the importance of each rule, providing simple reasons (e.g., "We look around so we don't accidentally hit our friend").
Participation in Local Games and Sports: The skills of shooting (kicking), heading, leaping, hopping, and bending are fundamental to many popular Nigerian games.
Integration: Learners can apply shooting skills when playing football (soccer) in their compounds or local fields. Hopping is crucial for games like Suwe (hopscotch). Bending and stretching are part of general physical activity and agility needed for various traditional games. Understanding these movements helps them participate safely and effectively in community play. Assisting with Household Chores and Daily Activities: Many daily tasks require various body movements, which can be performed more efficiently and safely with good body control.
Integration:* When fetching water from a tap or well, bending the knees to lift a bucket safely is important to prevent back strain. Stretching helps reach high shelves or clean difficult spots. Understanding body movement promotes awareness of ergonomics and safety even in simple chores like sweeping the compound or helping to arrange market goods. Understanding and Interacting with the Environment: Observing movements in nature and man-made objects enhances learners' understanding of their surroundings.
Integration: Imitating animals helps children appreciate local wildlife (e.g., the way a goat grazes, a bird flies, or a fish swims in a nearby stream). Mimicking machines like a motorcycle or hand pump connects their learning to the technology around them, fostering observational skills and empathy for how people and objects interact in their community.