Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Primary 2
Athletics
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Athletics
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Primary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Theme: Sports And Games
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
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Watch on YouTubePerform 75 metres dash showing start, form and finish Perform basic long jump skills Mention Safety rules
Sports And Games Question: Teacher asks: "You are about to run a race with your friends at school. Name two important safety rules you must remember to keep everyone safe." Solution: Two important safety rules are:
1. Always do warm-up exercises before running.
2. Do not push or trip your friends. (Other valid answers include: Check the area, follow instructions, wear proper shoes).
Commentary: This question directly targets the recall of safety rules, emphasizing practical application in a common school scenario.
5. Independent Practice (Questions Only)
1. What are the three commands a runner hears at the start of a race?
2. Describe one thing your arms should do when you are running fast.
3. How should you cross the finish line in a race?
4. What is the part of the long jump where you run towards the take-off line called?
5. When you jump, what part of your body should you use to push off the ground?
6. How should your feet land when you finish a long jump?
7. Why is it important to check the ground before running or jumping?
8. Name one type of clothing or footwear that is good to wear for athletics.
9. What should you do if your teacher tells you to wait before running?
1
0. True or False: It is okay to stop suddenly right after you cross the finish line.
6. Evaluation and Assessment Formative Assessment: Observation: The teacher will observe learners during practice sessions for their demonstration of the 75-metre dash and long jump skills, providing immediate feedback.
Question and Answer: Ask oral questions during the lesson to check for understanding of concepts and safety rules.
Peer Assessment (Optional): Learners can observe and give simple feedback to their partners on specific elements (e.g., "Did you pump your arms?").
Summative Assessment: Learners will be assessed based on the provided evaluation guide.
1. Perform 75 metres dash showing start, form and finish.
Assessment Task: Learners will individually perform the 75-metre dash.
Marking Scheme/Rubric: Start (2 marks): Correct positioning at the line, ready for commands (1 mark). Good reaction to "Go!" command (1 mark).
Form (3 marks): Good arm swing (1 mark). Good knee lift/leg drive (1 mark). Relatively straight body posture (1 mark).
Finish (1 mark): Runs through the finish line (1 mark). Total = 6 marks
2. Perform run-up, take-off, flight and landing (for long jump).
Assessment Task: Learners will individually perform a basic long jump.
Marking Scheme/Rubric: Run-up (2 marks): Controlled and steady approach (1 mark). Hits take-off line or close to it without stepping over (1 mark).
Take-off (2 marks): Forceful push-off from one foot (1 mark). Other knee/arms used to gain height/distance (1 mark).
Flight (1 mark): Attempts to bring knees up or extend legs forward (1 mark).
Landing (2 marks): Lands with both feet together (1 mark). Lands without falling backward (1 mark). Total = 7 marks
3. State 3 safety rules.
Assessment Task: Learners will orally or in writing state three safety rules discussed during the lesson.
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correctly stated safety rule (up to 3 marks). * Total = 3 marks
7. Real-life Applications / Integration
1. Health and Fitness for Community Life: Learning athletics helps learners understand the importance of physical activity for staying healthy and strong. This knowledge can be applied to encouraging active play in their communities, participating in local games, or helping their families stay active. For example, a child who learns to run effectively might join in community-organised children's races during festive periods like 'Children's Day' celebrations in Nigeria.
2. School and Inter-house Sports Competitions: The skills learned in this lesson are directly applicable to school inter-house sports festivals, a common and celebrated event in Nigerian schools. Learners can represent their house (e.g., Yellow House, Blue House) in running and jumping events, fostering a sense of belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition within the school community. This also exposes them to the thrill of competition and sportsmanship Athletics Term: 1st Term Week: 2 ---
1. Overview and Learning Objectives This lesson introduces Primary 2 learners to fundamental athletic skills, specifically focusing on the 75-metre dash and basic long jump techniques. Athletics, a core component of physical education, plays a crucial role in developing learners' physical fitness, coordination, balance, and agility. In the Nigerian context, these skills are essential for participation in various school sports days, inter-house competitions, and general physical well-being. Regular engagement in such activities promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces childhood obesity, and fosters teamwork and discipline among learners. Upon completion of this lesson, learners will be able to: Execute the 75-metre dash, demonstrating the correct starting position, running form, and finishing technique. Demonstrate the basic skills involved in a long jump, including the run-up, take-off, flight, and landing. Identify and articulate at least three important safety rules to observe during athletic activities. These objectives connect to real-world applications by preparing learners for active participation in school sports events, encouraging physical activity for good health, and instilling an understanding of safety precautions necessary in all physical pursuits, both within school and in community play areas across Nigeria.
2. Key Concepts and Explanations Athletics: Athletics refers to a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. For Primary 2, the focus is on basic running and jumping. It is about how fast one can run, how far one can jump, or how far one can throw.
The 75-Metre Dash: This is a short-distance running event that requires speed and proper technique.
Start: The way a runner begins the race. For Primary 2, a standing start is often preferred for simplicity, but a basic crouch start can be introduced.
Standing Start: Learners stand behind the starting line with one foot slightly forward, ready to push off.
Crouch Start (Simplified): Learners place hands just behind the starting line, knees bent, with one foot slightly forward. The head is down, eyes looking slightly forward.
Commands: 1. "On your marks!": Learners position themselves at the starting line. 2. "Get set!": Learners raise their hips slightly (in crouch start) or prepare to push off (standing start), focusing forward. 3. "Go!" (or a whistle/clap): Learners push off forcefully and begin running.
Form (Running Technique): How a runner moves their body while running.
Body Posture: Lean slightly forward from the waist. Maintain a straight back, not stiff.
Arm Action: Arms should be bent at about a 90-degree angle, swinging forward and backward rhythmically, close to the body, not across it. Fists are loosely closed.
Leg Action: Knees should lift high, and feet should push off the ground forcefully. Land on the balls of the feet, not flat-footed.
Head Position: Look straight ahead, not down at the feet.
Finish: The way a runner ends the race. Learners should run through the finish line, not stop immediately at it. This ensures the full distance is covered and speed is maintained until the end. A slight forward lean (chest dip) at the line can be encouraged.
Basic Long Jump Skills: The long jump is an event where learners run and jump as far as they can into a sandpit or designated landing area.
Run-up (Approach): The initial short run before the jump. Learners start at a comfortable distance (e.g., 5-10 strides) from the take-off line/board. The run-up should be steady and controlled, gradually building speed. The aim is to hit the take-off line with maximum speed without crossing it.
Take-off: The moment the learner leaves the ground. Just before the take-off line, the learner plants one foot (the take-off foot) forcefully onto the ground. The other knee swings forward and upward, and the arms are used to propel the body upwards and forwards. It's a jump up and out, not just out.
Flight: The time the learner spends in the air. While in the air, learners bring their knees up towards their chest, extending their legs forward just before landing. Arms can be used for balance. Imagine a "hang" leaves the ground. Just before the take-off line, the learner plants one foot (the take-off foot) forcefully onto the ground. The other knee swings forward and upward, and the arms are used to propel the body upwards and forwards. It's a jump up and out, not just out.
Flight: The time the learner spends in the air. While in the air, learners bring their knees up towards their chest, extending their legs forward just before landing. Arms can be used for balance. Imagine a "hang" or "tuck" position.
Landing: How the learner lands after the jump. Learners land with both feet together, heels first, then allow the rest of the body to follow forward into the sand or landing area. The goal is to avoid falling backward, as the measurement is taken from the nearest point of contact to the take-off line. Learners should try to "reach" forward with their hands as they land.
Safety Rules in Athletics: These are rules to ensure everyone stays safe during physical activities.
1. Warm-up Exercises: Always start with light exercises (stretching, light jogging) to prepare the body for activity and prevent injuries.
2. Check the Area: Before starting, ensure the running track or jumping area is clear of obstacles (stones, sticks, holes) that could cause trips or falls.
3. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the teacher's instructions and follow them exactly. Do not run or jump until given permission.
4. Appropriate Attire: Wear comfortable clothes and proper sports shoes (sneakers) that grip well and protect the feet. Avoid flip-flops or heavy boots.
5. No Pushing or Shoving: Never push, trip, or play roughly with other learners during a race or while waiting to jump.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during (if resting), and after activities, especially in Nigeria's warm climate.
Example Application (75m Dash): Imagine learners are at their school's inter-house sports. To run their best 75-metre dash, a learner like Emeka needs to first position himself correctly at the starting line when the teacher says "On your marks!" Then, he pushes off powerfully when he hears "Go!", pumping his arms and lifting his knees to run fast. He doesn't stop at the finish line but runs past it to ensure he finishes well.
Example Application (Long Jump): For the long jump, a learner like Aisha will take a short, steady run, then powerfully jump off one foot from the take-off line. While in the air, she pulls her knees up and then stretches her legs forward to land with both feet in the sandpit, remembering to lean forward to get the furthest measurement.
3. Teaching and Learning Activities Phase 1: Introduction and Warm-up (10-15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Greets learners and introduces the topic: Athletics – focusing on running and jumping. Explains the importance of warm-up for preventing injuries.
Leads a dynamic warm-up session: Light jogging around the field (2-3 minutes). Arm circles (forward and backward). Leg swings (forward and sideways). Torso twists. Ankle rotations. Gentle stretches for major muscle groups (hamstrings, quadriceps).
Student Activity: Participate actively in the warm-up exercises, mimicking the teacher's movements.
Phase 2: Explaining and Demonstrating the 75-Metre Dash (15-20 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Explains the three main parts of the dash: start, form, and finish. Designates a clear 75-metre track (using chalk lines or cones). Demonstrates a simplified crouch start (or standing start) with "On your marks!", "Get set!", "Go!" commands.
Demonstrates proper running form: body lean, arm swing, knee lift, head position. Demonstrates running through the finish line. Emphasises key safety rules related to running (e.g., staying in one's lane, no pushing).
Student Activity: Observe the teacher's demonstrations carefully. Practice the start commands in place. Practice arm swings and knee lifts while standing.
Phase 3: Practice the 75-Metre Dash (20-25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Divides learners into small groups (e.g., 4-5 learners per group) for practice runs. Supervises each group as they take turns running the 75-metre dash. * Provides individual feedback on start,