Grade 7 CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS FOUNDATIONS OF CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS – COMPONENTS OF CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS Notes
FOUNDATIONS OF CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS
Subtopic: COMPONENTS OF CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS
These notes explain the different parts (components) of Creative Arts and Sports in a way that is useful for learners in Kenya (age 12). Each component has examples and short class activities you can try.
What are components?
Components are the main parts that make up Creative Arts and Sports. Think of them like pieces of a puzzle: when we put them together, we get a full arts and sports education.
Main components (with simple examples)
Visual Arts 🎨
Drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture and beadwork. Example: Maasai beadwork patterns or painting scenes of Kenyan landscape.
Class activity: Draw a simple landscape of a Kenyan village or make a paper collage of local animals.
Music 🎶
Singing, rhythm, instruments and traditional songs. Example: listening to Benga or coastal taarab rhythms, clapping patterns.
Class activity: Clap and sing a call-and-response song or make a simple shaker from a bottle and rice.
Dance 💃
Body movement to rhythm. Example: traditional dances (e.g., Maasai jump, Isukuti-style drumming dances) and modern dances.
Class activity: Learn a simple circle dance and practice rhythm with claps.
Drama / Theatre 🎭
Acting, role-play and storytelling. Use local stories or school topics to create short plays.
Class activity: Act out a short skit about teamwork or a folktale from your community.
Crafts & Design ✂️
Making useful or decorative objects: weaving, basketry, pottery, beadwork and simple fashion design.
Class activity: Weave a small paper mat or make a beaded bracelet using safe beads.
Literature & Storytelling 📚
Poetry, prose, folktales and creative writing. Use both English and Kiswahili to tell stories.
Class activity: Write a short poem about your town or retell a folktale in groups.
Sports & Physical Education 🏃♂️⚽
Games, athletics, team sports (football, netball, hockey), and fitness. Kenya is famous for running (long- and middle-distance).
Class activity: Practice relay races, simple skills in football or netball, and stretching routines.
Indigenous Games & Play 🧩
Traditional games and board games that teach strategy and social skills. Example: Bao (mancala), stone games and skipping games.
Class activity: Learn and play Bao or teach each other a childhood game from home.
Why these components matter
- Help you express ideas and emotions.
- Improve teamwork, confidence and creativity.
- Keep your body healthy and teach fair play.
- Connects you to Kenyan culture and community traditions.
Simple class plan (30–40 minutes)
- Warm-up (5 minutes): light stretching and a short rhythm clap.
- Main activity (20–25 minutes): choose one component — e.g., make a collage, learn a song, practice a short drama or do a relay race.
- Share & reflect (5–10 minutes): present work and say what was learned.
Safety tips for arts & sports
- Warm up before exercise and cool down after.
- Use safe materials (no sharp tools without teacher supervision).
- Play fair and respect others' bodies and art work.
- Keep drinking water nearby during sports sessions.
How teachers can assess learning
Assessment can be simple:
- Observation: Did the pupil follow instructions and show effort?
- Performance: Can the pupil perform a short song, dance step or sports skill?
- Portfolio: Keep a small folder with drawings, photos of crafts or short written reflections.
- Peer feedback: Classmates give positive comments after presentations.
Key words to remember
Component, creativity, rhythm, performance, teamwork, tradition, athletics, craft, storytelling.
Teach a family member a short song or game you learned at school. Ask them about any traditional games they played as children and try them together.
Note: Use local materials and stories when possible — they make learning more meaningful and connect you with Kenyan culture.