Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: Self-Reliance, it’s Meaning and Examples
Topic: Self-Reliance (Part 2)
Subject Matter: Attributes of Self-Reliance
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the main attributes of a self-reliant person.
(b) Explain how these attributes contribute to self-reliance in individuals and the society. - Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of being self-reliant in daily life.
(b) Show willingness to develop habits that promote self-reliance. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate practical examples of self-reliant behaviour in class discussions or role plays. - Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively with classmates to identify examples of self-reliance in their community.
Reference Materials
The following resources was used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
- Mister Independent – 13 Attributes of Self-Reliance
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Chart showing characteristics of a self-reliant person
- Flash cards with examples of self-reliant actions
- Picture illustrations of entrepreneurs and inventors
- Short video clips or stories about successful self-reliant Nigerians
- Whiteboard and markers
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps students understand and develop qualities that make them confident, resourceful, and independent in solving personal and social problems.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have already been introduced to the meaning and importance of self-reliance in previous lessons and can recall examples of people who demonstrate it.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Self-Reliance
Attributes of Self-Reliance
A self-reliant person possesses certain qualities that enable them to think independently, make wise decisions, and meet their needs without unnecessary dependence on others.
The following are the main attributes of self-reliance:
- Hard Work: A self-reliant person is diligent and consistent in putting effort into achieving goals.
- Confidence: Believing in one’s abilities to face challenges and make good decisions.
- Creativity: Ability to generate new ideas and solutions to problems.
- Perseverance: Determination to continue working towards success despite difficulties.
- Discipline: Ability to control oneself and maintain focus on goals.
- Responsibility: Being accountable for one’s actions and decisions.
- Initiative: Willingness to take the first step in doing something without waiting for others.
- Honesty: Truthfulness in words and actions, which earns trust and respect.
- Courage: The ability to face challenges and take risks to achieve positive results.
Importance of Developing These Attributes
These attributes help individuals to grow and succeed in life, making them valuable members of their community.
The following are the importance of developing attributes of self-reliance:
- It promotes self-confidence and independence.
- It encourages problem-solving and creativity.
- It helps individuals achieve their goals through hard work.
- It reduces dependency on others for success.
- It improves decision-making and leadership skills.
- It contributes to national development when citizens are productive.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:
Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Storytelling, Question and Answer, Group Work, Role Play, 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 begins by telling a short story about a successful Nigerian entrepreneur who started with little but worked hard to succeed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond by identifying what made the person self-reliant.
Learning Point: Pupils are motivated to learn about the key attributes of self-reliance.
Step 2: Explanation of Attributes of Self-Reliance
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and lists the attributes of a self-reliant person using charts and examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and give examples of people with such attributes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the main attributes of a self-reliant person.
Step 3: Discussion on Importance of Self-Reliant Attributes
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the importance of developing self-reliant qualities and how they help individuals in life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share ideas and contribute examples from their experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the importance of self-reliance for personal and national growth.
Step 4: Role Play/Group Activity
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides the class into groups to act short role plays showing self-reliant behaviour such as problem-solving or creativity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils perform the role plays and discuss what they learned.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of self-reliant attributes through performance.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write the notes in their 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:
- List five attributes of a self-reliant person.
- Mention three importance of being self-reliant.
- Explain what confidence and perseverance mean in self-reliance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils show understanding of the attributes and importance of self-reliance.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to practice self-reliant habits daily.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils resolve to develop attributes of self-reliance.
Lesson Keywords
- Self-Reliance – ability to depend on oneself for needs and decisions
- Perseverance – continuing effort despite challenges
- Creativity – ability to produce new ideas or solutions
- Discipline – self-control and focus towards achieving goals
- Initiative – readiness to act or take the first step independently
Differentiation
Teacher provides visual aids and simplified explanations for slower learners while encouraging faster learners to lead discussions and role plays.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Relate the lesson to real-life experiences of pupils. Use local examples of people who demonstrate self-reliance. Encourage class participation through storytelling and group work.

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