Grade 7 CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS FOUNDATIONS OF CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS – INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS Notes

You will learn what Creative Arts and Sports are, why they are important, and see examples from Kenya. You will try simple activities to be more creative, healthy and to learn teamwork.

• Know what Creative Arts and Sports mean.
• Name some types of art and sports found in Kenya.
• Explain 3 benefits of taking part in arts and sports.
• Do a short classroom activity in art or sport safely.

1. What are Creative Arts and Sports?

- Creative Arts: activities where you make, perform or show ideas and feelings. Examples are drawing, painting, music, dance, drama and crafts. (Think: making a picture, singing a song, acting a short play.)

- Sports: physical activities or games that use skill, strength or speed. Examples are running, football, volleyball, netball and traditional games.

2. Branches with Kenyan examples

• Visual arts — drawing, painting, beadwork (e.g., Maasai bead designs), poster making.
• Music — singing, playing instruments like drums, the adungu or guitar in local bands (e.g., Benga rhythms).
• Dance — traditional dances such as the Isukuti (Luhya) or Maasai jumping (Adumu), and modern dances.
• Drama — acting short plays about school life, community or environmental issues.
• Crafts — making masks, weaving baskets, simple clay work.
• Sports — athletics (running), football, volleyball, netball, and traditional games like bao (mancala board).

3. Why are they important?

• Health: Sports make your body strong and healthy. Arts can reduce stress and help relax.
• Mind: Arts and sports make you think better, solve problems and be creative.
• Social: You learn to work with others, share ideas and respect people from different cultures.
• Culture: You learn about Kenyan traditions and help keep them alive through songs, dances and crafts.

4. Key words (easy meanings)

Creativity

Using your imagination to make something new.

Rhythm

The pattern of sounds or beats in music and dance.

Teamwork

Working with others to reach a goal.

Coordination

Using different body parts together smoothly (eyes, hands, feet).

5. Simple classroom lesson (40–50 minutes)

1. Warm-up (5–8 mins): Light stretching and simple clapping rhythm game. (Hydrate.)
2. Main activity A — Mini art task (20 mins):
   • Draw a mask or animal using basic shapes. Use crayons or paint to add bright Kenyan patterns (beads, stripes).
   • Share with a partner and explain one symbol or colour you used.
3. Main activity B — Short sport game (10–15 mins):
   • Do a relay race or simple ball pass game to practise teamwork and coordination.
4. Cool-down & Reflection (5 mins): Gentle stretching, then each student says one thing they learned.

6. Materials you might need

• Paper, pencils, crayons, paint (small amounts), brushes.
• Small instruments or bottle shakers, a drum or clap for rhythm practice.
• Balls, cones, whistle — or simple markers for running lanes.
• Boa (mancala) board, if available, for traditional game time.

7. Safety tips

• Always warm up before playing sports to avoid injury.
• Use safe tools: scissors with teacher supervision, non-toxic paints.
• Drink water, wear proper shoes and keep playing area clear of hazards.
• Respect cultural items — ask before using community instruments or costumes.

8. How teachers can assess learning

• Observe: Can the pupil join the activity and follow rules?
• Look at the final art work and ask the pupil to explain choices.
• Peer feedback: classmates give one positive comment.
• Short quiz: name 2 benefits of arts and 2 benefits of sports.

9. Fun home activities

• Draw your family doing a Kenyan festival or game.
• Teach a family member a short clapping rhythm or song.
• Play bao with a friend or make a simple relay at home.