Middle-Distance Races Physical and Health Education Primary 4 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 2
SECOND TERM E-NOTES
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Class: Basic Four
Week: 2
Topic: Track Events: Middle Distance Races
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- List the types of middle-distance races.
- Mention skills required in middle-distance races.
- Perform the take-off action in a middle-distance race.
- Demonstrate proper arm action, running, and finishing techniques.
Keywords: Middle-distance races, 800m, 1500m, take-off, arm action, finish
Set Induction
The teacher will ask the pupils if they have watched or participated in races before and discuss their experiences, focusing on middle-distance races like 800m and 1500m.
Entry Behavior
Pupils are familiar with basic running actions and might have seen or participated in short-distance races.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Videos or images of middle-distance races.
- Whistle for practice starts.
- Stopwatch for timing.
- Marker cones to outline running tracks.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher will ask pupils to recall the difference between sprints (short-distance races) and longer races (e.g., 800m and 1500m).
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Motor coordination
- Observation
Reference
Lagos State Scheme of Work for Physical and Health Education, Basic Four
Instructional Materials
- Chart showing middle-distance races.
- Pictures of athletes demonstrating proper running techniques.
Content
1. What Are Middle-Distance Races?
- Definition: Middle-distance races are track events covering distances longer than sprints but shorter than long-distance races.
- Types:
- 800 meters: Two laps of a standard track.
- 1500 meters: Approximately 3.75 laps of a standard track.
2. Skills in Middle-Distance Races
- Standing: Starting in a balanced and relaxed position.
- Take-off: Pushing off the ground with power to begin the race.
- Running: Maintaining a steady pace with rhythmic breathing.
- Arm Action: Swinging arms forward and backward in sync with the legs to maintain balance and speed.
- Finish: Leaning slightly forward at the finish line to maximize speed and complete the race strongly.
3. Techniques for Middle-Distance Races
- Standing Start: Stand with one foot slightly forward, knees bent, and body relaxed.
- Take-off: Push off strongly with your back foot when the race begins.
- Running:
- Maintain a steady pace throughout the race.
- Avoid running too fast at the start to conserve energy.
- Keep your head up and look forward.
- Arm Action:
- Keep elbows bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Swing arms naturally from the shoulders.
- Finishing:
- Sprint during the last stretch of the race.
- Lean forward slightly as you cross the finish line.
Evaluation
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- A middle-distance race covers a distance longer than a __________.
a. sprint
b. long-distance race
c. marathon
d. walk
Answer: a. sprint - The two main types of middle-distance races are __________ and __________.
a. 400m, 800m
b. 800m, 1500m
c. 1500m, 3000m
d. 100m, 200m
Answer: b. 800m, 1500m - Proper arm action helps to maintain __________ during a race.
a. speed and balance
b. strength and power
c. weight and direction
d. speed and fatigue
Answer: a. speed and balance - The __________ is the initial push off the ground at the start of a race.
a. take-off
b. run
c. finish
d. arm swing
Answer: a. take-off - To finish a race, athletes should __________ at the finish line.
a. stop running
b. lean forward
c. jump
d. slow down
Answer: b. lean forward
Class Activity Discussion
- What are the two main types of middle-distance races?
- Answer: 800 meters and 1500 meters.
- Why is it important to maintain a steady pace during a middle-distance race?
- Answer: To conserve energy for the entire race.
- How should arms move during a race?
- Answer: Swing naturally from the shoulders with elbows bent at 90 degrees.
Presentation Steps
- Introduction:
- Teacher revises the concept of track events and introduces middle-distance races.
- Lesson Development:
- Teacher explains the types of middle-distance races and their skills.
- Demonstrates the proper techniques (standing, take-off, running, arm action, and finish).
- Pupils practice each skill under supervision.
- Conclusion:
- Pupils summarize what they have learned, and the teacher emphasizes key points.
Teacher’s Activities
- Demonstrate standing, take-off, running, arm action, and finishing techniques.
- Organize practice drills for pupils.
- Provide corrections and feedback during practice.
Learners’ Activities
- Observe demonstrations of middle-distance race skills.
- Practice the skills demonstrated by the teacher.
- Participate in group discussions about the importance of these skills.
Assessment
Short-Answer Questions
- What is a middle-distance race?
- Answer: A track event covering longer distances than sprints, such as 800m and 1500m.
- Mention two types of middle-distance races.
- Answer: 800 meters and 1500 meters.
- What is the purpose of proper arm action during a race?
- Answer: To maintain balance and speed.
- How should an athlete start a middle-distance race?
- Answer: In a relaxed and balanced standing position.
- What should an athlete do at the finish line?
- Answer: Lean forward to complete the race strongly.
Conclusion
The teacher reviews the key points of the lesson, assesses pupils’ performance, and provides feedback.
SEO Title: Middle-Distance Races and Skills for Basic Four Physical Education
Slug: middle-distance-races-skills-basic-four
Focus Keyphrase: middle-distance races, 800m and 1500m skills
Meta Description: Learn about middle-distance races (800m and 1500m), skills like take-off, running, arm action, and finish techniques in this Basic Four Physical Education lesson