Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature In English
Curriculum Theme: Literature
Previous Lesson: Types of Literature, Oral and Written Literature
Topic: Types of Oral Literature, Categories of Written Literature
Subject Matter: Types of Oral Literature, Categories of Written Literature
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the major types of oral literature.
(b) Classify the categories of written literature with examples. - Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the cultural value of oral literature in society.
(b) Show interest in reading and appreciating different forms of written literature. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Recite a short riddle, proverb, or folktale.
(b) Dramatize a short extract from a written text. - Social Domain:
(a) Participate in group discussions on oral and written literature.
(b) Cooperate with peers in sharing literary examples from their communities.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
- Britannica – “Oral Literature” (https://www.britannica.com/art/oral-literature)
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Folktale or story books
- Charts showing categories of literature
- Flashcards with proverbs and riddles
- Audio clips of oral performances (songs or chants)
- Whiteboard and markers
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson introduces learners to the rich traditions of oral literature and the categories of written literature, helping them appreciate cultural heritage and literary forms.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have listened to folk stories, riddles, and songs in their communities, and some have read simple storybooks, which prepares them to identify oral and written literature.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Types of Oral Literature
Oral literature refers to traditional knowledge, wisdom, and stories passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. It reflects the culture, beliefs, and values of a people.
The following are the types of oral literature:
- Folktales – traditional stories that teach lessons or entertain.
- Proverbs – wise sayings that express truths, advice, or morals.
- Riddles – short puzzling questions meant to entertain or test intelligence.
- Myths – stories explaining natural phenomena or beliefs about gods and creation.
- Legends – stories about heroes or historical figures, often exaggerated.
- Songs/Chants – oral expressions of culture, emotions, or events.
- Poetry – oral verses with rhythm and imagery.
Categories of Written Literature
Written literature is recorded in written form and can be read in books, scripts, and other texts. It has different categories that express ideas, feelings, and experiences.
These include:
- Prose – ordinary written language, usually in paragraphs, e.g., novels, short stories.
- Poetry – literature written in verse, often with rhythm, imagery, and figures of speech.
- Drama – literature written for performance on stage, including plays and scripts.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:
Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Group Work, Dramatization, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates a short folktale or riddle and asks pupils if they have heard similar stories at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and respond with familiar examples.
Learning Point: Pupils are motivated to learn the types of oral literature and categories of written literature.
Step 2: Types of Oral Literature
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and lists the major types of oral literature with examples from Nigerian culture.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, write notes, and share examples from their communities.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand types of oral literature.
Step 3: Categories of Written Literature
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the three main categories of written literature and shows examples from books.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read short passages from prose, poetry, and drama.
Learning Point: Pupils classify written literature into prose, poetry, and drama.
Step 4: Group Activity
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Dramatization/Group Work
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher divides the class into groups: one group recites proverbs, another dramatizes a short scene, and another reads a poem.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils perform their group tasks.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate knowledge of oral and written literature through practice.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write notes into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the lesson content.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention three types of oral literature.
- Give two examples of categories of written literature.
- What is the difference between oral and written literature?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to appreciate both oral traditions and written texts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate learning and value both oral and written literature.
Home Task: Give three correct examples of Types of Oral Literature, Categories of Written Literature and explain what each example shows.
Lesson Keywords
- Oral Literature – stories and traditions passed by word of mouth
- Prose – written language in paragraphs without rhyme
- Poetry – literature in verse with rhythm and imagery
- Drama – literature written for performance
- Proverbs – wise sayings that teach lessons
Differentiation
Teacher uses local examples for slower learners, encourages peer support, and challenges advanced learners with creative recitations or dramatic readings.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage pupils to connect oral literature with their cultural background. Use simple language and real examples. Ensure participation from all groups.

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