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:

1. List the types of middle-distance races.
2. Mention skills required in middle-distance races.
3. Perform the take-off action in a middle-distance race.
4. 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

1. A middle-distance race covers a distance longer than a __________.
   a. sprint
   b. long-distance race
   c. marathon
   d. walk
   Answer: a. sprint
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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

1. What are the two main types of middle-distance races?
   • Answer: 800 meters and 1500 meters.
2. Why is it important to maintain a steady pace during a middle-distance race?
   • Answer: To conserve energy for the entire race.
3. How should arms move during a race?
   • Answer: Swing naturally from the shoulders with elbows bent at 90 degrees.

Presentation Steps

1. Introduction:
   • Teacher revises the concept of track events and introduces middle-distance races.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. What is a middle-distance race?
   • Answer: A track event covering longer distances than sprints, such as 800m and 1500m.
2. Mention two types of middle-distance races.
   • Answer: 800 meters and 1500 meters.
3. What is the purpose of proper arm action during a race?
   • Answer: To maintain balance and speed.
4. How should an athlete start a middle-distance race?
   • Answer: In a relaxed and balanced standing position.
5. 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