Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Reproductive Health: Genetic Counselling.
Topic: ABSTINENCE
Subject Matter: Meaning of abstinence, Types: Lifelong delay, periodic

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define abstinence.
Identify and explain the types of abstinence.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of practicing abstinence.
Commit to practicing abstinence when appropriate.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss situations where abstinence is important.
Demonstrate refusal skills to maintain abstinence.

Promote the concept of abstinence among their peers.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 2.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts illustrating healthy lifestyle choices.
Pictures showing consequences of risky behaviours.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand abstinence as a healthy choice. It enables them to make informed decisions about their well-being and promotes responsible behaviour for a healthy future.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of personal hygiene, puberty, and health education concepts from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ABSTINENCE

Meaning of Abstinence

Abstinence means choosing to refrain completely from certain activities, especially those that can be harmful or risky. In the context of health, it often refers to refraining from sexual activity, drug use, or alcohol consumption.

Types of Abstinence

The following are types of abstinence:

Lifelong Delay: This type of abstinence involves making a commitment to never engage in a particular activity throughout one’s life. For example, some individuals choose lifelong abstinence from alcohol or drugs. In the context of sexual health, it means choosing to remain celibate for life.
Periodic Abstinence: This involves refraining from a particular activity for a specific period or at certain times. For instance, some people may abstain from certain foods during religious fasts. In sexual health, it refers to refraining from sexual intercourse during certain phases of the menstrual cycle or for a defined period, such as during a relationship break.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall some healthy practices they learned in previous lessons. The teacher then introduces the topic “Abstinence” and relates it to making healthy choices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions about healthy practices and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils connect previous knowledge to the new topic and understand the lesson’s focus.

Step 2: Meaning of Abstinence

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of abstinence, emphasizing that it is a choice to avoid certain activities, especially those that can be risky or harmful. The teacher gives examples such as abstaining from drugs, alcohol, or early sexual activity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and attempt to define abstinence in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core definition of abstinence.

Step 3: Discussion on Lifelong Delay

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains “lifelong delay” as a type of abstinence, focusing on making a permanent choice to avoid certain activities. The teacher provides examples and encourages pupils to discuss the benefits of such a commitment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and participate in the discussion about lifelong delay, providing their thoughts on its benefits.
Learning Point: Pupils comprehend lifelong delay as a permanent form of abstinence and its implications.

Step 4: Discussion on Periodic Abstinence

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains “periodic abstinence” as refraining from an activity for a specific period or at certain times. The teacher gives examples and leads a discussion on situations where periodic abstinence might be practiced.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute to the discussion, and give examples of periodic abstinence.
Learning Point: Pupils understand periodic abstinence as a temporary form of abstinence and its practical applications.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is abstinence?
Mention two types of abstinence.
Explain “lifelong delay” as a type of abstinence.
Give an example of “periodic abstinence.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the meaning and types of abstinence. The teacher encourages pupils to make responsible choices for their health and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any final questions, and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are prepared for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

Abstinence – The choice to refrain completely from certain activities, especially risky ones.
Lifelong Delay – A type of abstinence involving a permanent commitment to avoid an activity throughout life.
Periodic Abstinence – A type of abstinence involving refraining from an activity for a specific period or at certain times.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research additional benefits of abstinence. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide simpler definitions and more direct examples, or pair them with peers for collaborative learning.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should approach this topic with sensitivity, encouraging open discussion while maintaining a respectful classroom environment. Emphasize that abstinence is a personal choice that contributes to overall well-being. Use age-appropriate language and examples.