Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Classify traditional rhythmic movements into low, moderate, and high intensity.
• Work in groups to refine and present classifications.
• Use your pulse rate to measure the intensity of activities.
• Record your physical activity in a self-journal.
• Appreciate different cultural dance forms.

Lesson summary

Traditional rhythmic gymnastics, games and dance are part of Ghana’s cultural heritage and everyday life—seen at festivals, funerals, school gatherings, church/mosque celebrations, and community events. Beyond culture, these rhythmic movements are also physical activities that can improve fitness, coordination, posture, and mental wellbeing. In this lesson, learners will create simple traditional rhythmic movement sequences and classify them into low, moderate, and high intensity using pulse/heartbeat as evidence.

Lesson notes

A. What is “Traditional Rhythmic” Movement? Traditional rhythmic movement refers to body actions performed in time with a beat or rhythm, often linked to Ghanaian cultural practices (dance, drumming patterns, call-and-response, communal movement). It includes: Traditional dance movements (e.g., Adowa hand gestures and footwork, Kpanlogo steps, Bamaya shoulder movements, Agbadza stamping patterns). Rhythmic games (e.g., clapping games, stepping patterns, “ampe”-style rhythmic footwork). Rhythmic gymnastics (simple body patterns like bends, stretches, turns, balances, hops performed rhythmically—without necessarily using equipment). B. “Create” and “Classify” (What the Indicator Requires) Create: Put movements together into a short sequence that has: A clear starting position A repeated rhythm pattern (counts like 1–8) A safe and smooth flow (no dangerous collisions, no extreme strain) A clear ending position

Classify: Group the created/identified movements into: Low intensity Moderate intensity High intensity

This classification must be supported by pulse/heartbeat changes. C. Understanding Intensity (Low, Moderate, High) Intensity means how hard the body is working during activity. Signs you can observe (simple checks) Low intensity: breathing is easy; you can talk comfortably; little sweating. Moderate intensity: breathing faster; you can talk but not sing; light sweating. High intensity: breathing very fast; talking is difficult; heavy sweating; heart beats fast. Using Pulse/Heartbeat to Classify (Main Method) Your pulse is the beat you feel in your wrist or neck. It shows how hard your heart is working.

How to measure pulse (simple school method): Sit or stand still for 1 minute. Place two fingers (index and middle) on: Wrist (thumb side) or Neck (side of throat, not pressing too hard) Count beats for 15 seconds. Multiply by 4 to get beats per minute (bpm).

Evaluation guide

• Based on the research list and performance of traditional rhythmic dance
• movements identified in B1- B8, classify the rhythmic movements into low,
• moderate and high intensity activities.
• In small groups, think-pair-share and refine classification for class