Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
TRADITIONAL RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS, GAM ES AND DANCE
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TRADITIONAL RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS, GAM ES AND DANCE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education And Health
Class: JHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Grade code: B7.2.1.2.1
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: B7.2.1.2
Indicator code: B7.2.1.2.1
Theme: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EDUCATION
Subtheme: TRADITIONAL RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS, GAM ES AND DANCE
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Traditional rhythmic gymnastics, games and dance are Ghanaian ways of moving the body with rhythm, control and expression. Learners see these in festivals (e.g., Akwasidae, Homowo, Hogbetsotso), funerals, naming ceremonies, school cultural displays and community gatherings. Learning and performing them helps learners: stay physically active and fit, build confidence and teamwork, appreciate Ghanaian culture and respect other cultures (Cultural Identity and Global Citizenship), communicate and collaborate well in groups (Communication and Collaboration).
A. Meaning of Key Terms Traditional rhythmic gymnastics (in this topic): Controlled body movements performed to a rhythm (drums, clapping, songs), including balancing, bending, stepping patterns, arm swings, turns and coordinated sequences. It is “gymnastic” because it uses body control, balance, flexibility and coordination, but it is rooted in traditional Ghanaian movement styles. Traditional dance movement: A culturally recognized way of moving (steps, gestures, posture, facial expression) that communicates meaning—joy, respect, mourning, celebration, storytelling. Individual movement: A movement or short sequence performed by one person (e.g., a solo Adowa hand gesture sequence, a solo Takai step pattern). Group movement: A movement or sequence performed by two or more people with coordination—same timing, spacing, formations (line, circle, V-shape), call-and-response. Rhythm and timing: Rhythm: the regular beat you feel (drum/clap). Timing: moving exactly on the beat (e.g., step on counts 1–2–3–4). Formation and spacing: Formation: arrangement of dancers (circle, line, pairs). Spacing: safe distance between performers to avoid collisions and allow free movement. Self-journal (effort and duration record): A small notebook page where learners write: date, activity practiced, duration (minutes), effort level (easy/medium/hard), short reflection (what improved, what to practise next).
B. Safety and Performance Rules (Very Important) Before performing: Warm up (3–5 minutes): light jogging on the spot, arm circles, ankle rotations, gentle stretches. Remove hazards: stones, slippery spots, sharp objects. Wear suitable clothing and footwear (or safe barefoot on clean surface). During performance: Keep head up, knees slightly bent when landing/stepping. Maintain personal space (about an arm’s length) in group work. No pushing, pulling, or mocking cultural movements. After performance: Cool down: slow walking, deep breathing, gentle stretching.
C. Examples of Traditional Rhythmic Movements (Ghana-focused) 1) Adowa (Akan) – common movement ideas Adowa uses expressive hand and arm gestures, controlled footwork, and posture to communicate meaning. Individual movement examples: *Adowa hand “wave and point”*: wrists rotate gently, palms open/close with soft elbows. *Shoulder dip with step-touch*: step right, touch left, step left, touch right, shoulders dip slightly to the beat. Group movement examples: *Circle formation with call-and-response*: one learner leads a gesture, group repeats. *Line formation*: all perform step-touch and hand gestures together on counts 1–8.
Counts example (8-count Adowa basic): 1: Step right + right hand forward (palm open) 2: Touch left + left hand forward 3: Step left + both hands sweep left 4: Touch right + wrists rotate 5–8: Repeat with slight turn and shoulder dip 2) Takai (Dagomba/Northern Ghana) – common movement ideas Takai is energetic with strong footwork, stamps, and quick directional changes. Individual movement examples: *Stamp-step pattern*: stamp right, step left, stamp left, step right. *Quick turn and pose*: two steps + half turn + strong arm pose. Group movement examples: *Pairs mirror*: partner A does stamp-step, partner B mirrors. *Two lines facing*: alternating entry—one line performs while the other claps, then swap.