Class: Primary Three
Term: second Term
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Social Studies
Previous Lesson: Illness, Concept And Symptoms Of Illness
Topic: Illness – Causes and Prevention
Content/Learning Area: What is Illness?, Causes of Illness, Prevention of Illness
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Identify and list two causes of illness.2. Explain two prevention methods for illness.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. Demonstrate proper handwashing techniques.
- Affective Domain:
1. Appreciate the importance of personal hygiene in preventing illness.
- Social Domain:
1. Explain how to protect themselves and others from illness.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Data
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers or crayons
- Pictures or illustrations related to hygiene and illness prevention
rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the causes and prevention of illness is crucial for pupils’ well-being. This lesson equips them with knowledge and practices to maintain good health, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing absenteeism from school.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
The teacher will start by asking pupils about times they felt unwell. A brief discussion about feeling sick will lead into a discussion about why people get sick and how to stay healthy.
Lesson Content
What is illness?
Illness is when your body isn’t feeling well. It can make you feel sick,weak,or uncomfortable. Many things can cause illness.
Causes of Illness
illness can arise from various factors that compromise the body’s normal functioning.
The following are some causes of illness:
- Poor Hygiene: Not washing your hands, not bathing regularly, and not keeping your surroundings clean lets germs spread easily.
- Contaminated Water: Drinking unclean water with bacteria or viruses can make you sick.
- inadequate Nutrition: Not eating healthy foods weakens your body and makes it harder to fight off germs.
- Airborne Pathogens: Tiny germs in the air spread through coughs and sneezes.
- Close Contact with Sick Individuals: being near someone who is sick increases your chances of getting sick too.
- Unclean Environment: Living in dirty surroundings exposes you to harmful germs and pollutants.
- Insect Bites: Mosquitoes and other insects can transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Prevention of Illness
Preventing illness involves adopting practices that minimize exposure to disease-causing agents and boost the body’s natural defenses.These include:
- Practice good Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing outside.Bathe or shower regularly.
- Safe Drinking Water: Drink clean water. Boil water to kill germs or use a water filter.
- Balanced Nutrition: Eat a variety of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Proper Ventilation: Make sure your home and classroom have fresh air circulating.
- Social Distancing and Hygienic Practices: Stay away from sick people. If you must be near someone who is sick, keep your distance, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity strengthens your immune system and helps you stay healthy.
- Adequate Rest: Getting enough sleep allows your body to repair and rejuvenate itself.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Question and answer, Presentation.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson,the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction (Set Induction)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask pupils about times they felt unwell and what made them feel better.
Pupils’ Activity: Share their experiences and ideas.
Step 2: Clarification of Key Concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: Explain the concept of illness and its various causes.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Time: 10 minutes
teaching Skill: Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: Demonstrate proper handwashing techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and practice handwashing.
Step 4: Self-Reliant Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching skill: Monitoring
Teacher’s Activity: Supervise pupils as they practice what they have learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Practice independently.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guiding
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils in taking notes on key concepts.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask review questions to assess understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify and list two causes of illness.
- Explain two prevention methods for illness.
- Demonstrate proper handwashing techniques.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points about illness prevention and encourage pupils to practice good hygiene habits at home and school.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Illness – A condition when the body is not feeling well.
- Hygiene – Practices that promote cleanliness and health.
- Contamination – The presence of harmful substances or germs.
- Nutrition – The process of obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
- Prevention – Taking action to stop somthing from happening.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Name two things that can make you sick.
- How can you keep yourself from getting sick?
- Why is it vital to wash your hands?
- What are some healthy foods?
- What should you do if someone in your class is sick?
Assignment/Homework
- List five ways to prevent the spread of germs at home.
- Write a short paragraph about why it is indeed crucial to eat healthy foods.
- Draw a poster showing the correct way to wash your hands.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research additional causes and prevention methods of illness.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to emphasize the importance of practical hygiene habits and provide real-life examples to make the lesson relatable. Encourage pupils to share their experiences and ask questions to foster a deeper understanding of the topic.

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