Class: Primary 4
Term: 3rd Term
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: Common Uses Of Resources
Topic: Meaning Of Ethnicity
Content/Learning Area: Meaning Of Ethnicity
Time allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of ethnicity.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of unity among people of different ethnic groups.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify major ethnic groups in Nigeria using pictures or charts.
- Social Domain: Work in groups to discuss how people from different ethnic groups live together.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years basic education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from: Wikipedia – Ethnicity
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials:
- Pictures showing different ethnic groups
- Flashcards with ethnic group names
- Charts or posters
- Map of Nigeria
- Video clips or audio recordings of ethnic songs or greetings
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding ethnicity helps pupils appreciate Nigeria’s cultural diversity and promotes peaceful co-existence in society.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have previously learned about their family and local community, and are familiar with cultural differences.
Lesson Content
Meaning of Ethnicity
Ethnicity means a group of people who share the same culture, language, and tradition. People from different ethnic groups may wear different clothes or speak different languages.
Nigeria has many ethnic groups. Some are big and others are small.
Examples of ethnic groups in Nigeria are:
- Hausa
- Yoruba
- Igbo
- Tiv
- Ibibio
- Nupe
- fulani
Ethnicity, Citizenship and Respect
Ethnicity refers to belonging to a cultural group whose members may share ancestry, language, history, customs or traditions. Ethnic identity is not the same as nationality: Nigerians from different ethnic groups share Nigerian citizenship.
Ethnic diversity enriches a nation through languages, arts, foods, skills and traditions. It becomes harmful when people use differences as a reason for discrimination, exclusion or conflict. Pupils should judge others by their conduct, respect cultural differences and cooperate on shared community goals.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, lecture, storytelling, clarification, visual aids, group work
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction (Set Induction)
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Tells a short story about children from different ethnic groups playing together.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and answer questions.
Step 2: meaning of Ethnicity
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains what ethnicity means using simple terms and classroom posters.Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask questions.
Step 3: Features of Ethnic Groups
Time: 6 mins
Teaching Skill: Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures and explains features like dressing, food, and language.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe, discuss and respond.
Step 4: Examples of Ethnic Groups
Time: 6 mins
teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Uses flashcards and maps to show examples of ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Point out and name ethnic groups.
Step 5: Importance of Understanding Ethnicity
Time: 6 mins
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Leads class discussion on why it is indeed good to understand other ethnic groups.
Pupils’ Activity: Share ideas in small groups.
Step 6: Note-Taking
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Dictates key points to pupils for copying into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Write notes neatly.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
time: 4 mins
teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to answer oral questions and identify ethnic groups in flashcards.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions and perform identification tasks.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Explain the meaning of ethnicity.
- Identify major ethnic groups in Nigeria using pictures or charts.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Cognitive, Social
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to always respect other people’s culture.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and respond with what they have learned.
Lesson Keywords
- Ethnicity – A group with shared culture and tradition
- Culture – The way people live,eat,and dress
- Customs – special ways of doing things in a group
- Unity – Living in peace and agreement
- Respect – Treating others kindly and fairly
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning,the teacher asks pupils to:
- Explain the meaning of ethnicity
- Mention three features of an ethnic group
- List four ethnic groups in Nigeria
- Say two reasons why we should understand other ethnic groups
- Point out any ethnic group from a map or flashcard
Assignment/Homework
- Ask your parents or grandparents about your ethnic group.
- Write down three things that make your ethnic group special.
- Draw a picture of something that represents your ethnic group.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified explanations and visual aids.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on different ethnic groups.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use pictures, songs, and role-playing activities.
Note for Teachers
Use real-life examples and allow pupils to share their ethnic backgrounds. Encourage tolerance and teamwork during group tasks.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +