Grade R Life Skills Lesson Plan: My Body

by

Grade R Life Skills Lesson Plan: My Body

Lesson Plan Title:

Grade R Life Skills: My Body

Materials Needed:

  • Chart of human body parts (poster or digital slide)
  • Flashcards with names of body parts
  • Colouring sheets of human body diagram
  • Crayons
  • Sticky notes
  • Mirror (one for each group)
  • Song about body parts (e.g., “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”)
  • Computer and projector or other devices to play the song

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify and name basic parts of the body (head, shoulders, knees, toes, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose).
2. Understand the function of each body part.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of their own body in space.

Vocabulary:

  1. Head: The part of the body above the neck that contains the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
  2. Shoulders: The part of the body between the neck and upper arms.
  3. Knees: The joints between the upper and lower parts of the leg.
  4. Toes: The digits of the foot.
  5. Eyes: The organs that allow us to see.

Previous Learning:

Students have explored personal identity, including their names, families, and personal preferences. They have also learned some basic body parts’ names through informal play and songs.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Students might get confused with names and locations of parts.
  • Solution: Use engaging and repetitive songs to help reinforce their understanding.
  • Challenge: Some students might feel shy participating in group activities.
  • Solution: Pair students with a buddy to encourage participation and support.

Beginning Activities:

Time: 4 minutes

  1. Introduction:
  2. Greet the students and introduce the topic: “Today, we will learn all about our bodies!”
  3. Show a large chart or digital slide of a human body.
  4. Point to and name each part on the chart: head, shoulders, knees, toes, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.
  5. Ask students to touch the corresponding part of their body as you name each one.

Middle Activities:

Time: 32 minutes

  1. Direct Instruction:
  2. Sing the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” with actions.
  3. Repeat the song a few times to make sure everyone joins in and learns the parts.

Time: 10 minutes

  1. Guided Practice:
  2. Divide students into small groups.
  3. Give each group a mirror and ask them to look at their reflections.
  4. Place flashcards with body parts around the classroom.
  5. Use a pointer stick or hand to guide each group as they find and name the parts on their reflections, using the cards as guides.

Time: 10 minutes

  1. Independent Practice:
  2. Provide each student with a colouring sheet of a human body diagram.
  3. Ask students to colour the head, shoulders, knees, toes, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose in different colours.
  4. While they colour, walk around and ask them to say the names of the body parts they are colouring.

Time: 12 minutes

End Activities:

Time: 4 minutes

  1. Exit Ticket (Consolidation Activity):
  2. Ask each student to draw their favourite body part on a sticky note and place it on a large class poster titled “Our Favourite Body Parts.”

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Participation in the song activity.
  • Group participation in mirroring activity and naming body parts.
  • Ability to correctly colour and name body parts on the diagram.
  • Responses in the exit ticket activity.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • For learners needing more assistance: Pair them with a buddy who can help guide them.
  • For advanced learners: Ask them to draw additional body parts they know and share with the class.
  • Incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles: Use songs, movements, charts, and colouring activities to engage different types of learners.

Teaching Notes:

  • Emphasise inclusivity by ensuring that all students feel comfortable and supported.
  • Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation, focusing on making learning fun.
  • Prepare for potential distractions and manage the classroom environment to facilitate engagement.
  • Accessibility: Ensure all materials are within reach, and provide larger text/graphics if necessary.

Remember, the goal is for students to leave the class with a sense of body awareness and the ability to name basic body parts confidently. Use lots of praise and positive energy to keep them engaged and enthusiastic!