Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare a large chart or pictures clearly showing men and women in traditional attire of the three major Nigerian ethnic groups: Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo. The central idea for pupils is to recognise and name the Igbo people’s unique dress and learn a simple greeting in their language. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can point to Igbo attire on the chart and repeat a simple Igbo word like “Kedu.”
Class: Pre-School Level 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 3 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Social Habits
Previous Lesson: Learning about different people in our community.
Topic: Igbo People: Dress, Language and Cultural Identity
Subject Matter: Identifying the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria (Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo). Weekly focus: Igbo People: Dress, Language and Cultural Identity.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria (Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo) with the aid of a chart.
- Name some traditional dressing styles of the Igbo people.
- Say a simple greeting in the Igbo language.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the cultural diversity of Nigeria.
- Show interest in learning about different Nigerian cultures.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to pictures of Igbo attire on a chart.
- Participate in singing a song about Nigerian cultures.
Social Domain
- Discuss with peers about different cultural dresses.
- Take turns to repeat Igbo words.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 2.
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
Instructional Materials
- Large chart showing men and women wearing traditional attire of the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo ethnic groups in Nigeria.
- Pictures of Isiagu fabric and Igbo women’s wrappers and blouses.
- Flashcards with simple Igbo words like “Kedu” (Hello) and “Ndewo” (Greetings).
- A map of Nigeria (optional, for visual context).
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 3-year-olds begin to understand the rich diversity of Nigeria by introducing them to the Igbo people’s unique dress and language. It fosters cultural awareness and appreciation from an early age, promoting respect for different identities within their country.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify different people in their immediate environment and know that people wear different types of clothes.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Igbo People: Dress, Language and Cultural Identity
Nigeria is a country with many different people, but we have three very big groups called major ethnic groups.
- The three major ethnic groups are:
- Yoruba
- Hausa
- Igbo
Focus on Igbo People
Today, we are learning about the Igbo people.
- Igbo Dress:
- Igbo men often wear a special shirt called an Isiagu, which means ‘lion head’. It often has patterns on it.
- Igbo women often wear beautiful wrappers and blouses, sometimes with coral beads as jewellery.
- Igbo Language:
- The Igbo people speak the Igbo language.
- A simple greeting in Igbo is: Kedu? (pronounced: Keh-doo), which means “Hello” or “How are you?”
- Another greeting is: Ndewo (pronounced: Ndeh-woh), which means “Greetings” or “Welcome.”
- Cultural Identity:
- Igbo people are known for being hardworking and having strong community ties.
Key Words
- Igbo – One of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
- Yoruba – One of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
- Hausa – One of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
- Isiagu – A traditional shirt worn by Igbo men.
- Kedu – An Igbo word for “Hello” or “How are you?”
- Ndewo – An Igbo word for “Greetings” or “Welcome.”
Our Nigerian Cultures Song
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Nigeria has people grand,
All across our lovely land.
Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo too,
Different cultures, me and you!
Igbo people, we will learn,
Their dress and language, it’s our turn!
Actions: Point to self, point to others, sway gently, make a ‘hello’ gesture when singing “Igbo people”.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce the concept of Nigeria having many people, then highlight the three major groups using the chart. Focus primarily on the Igbo section, pointing to the pictures and explaining the dress and language simply. Repeat the key words and greetings several times.
What to show or demonstrate: Display the chart prominently. Point to the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo sections as you name them. Then, focus on the Igbo section, pointing to the Isiagu and women’s attire. Use the Igbo word flashcards as you say “Kedu” and “Ndewo,” encouraging pupils to repeat after you.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Our Nigerian Cultures Song” slowly and clearly, demonstrating the actions. Repeat it 2-3 times, encouraging pupils to join in with the words and actions. Use it as a transition or a fun way to reinforce the lesson’s theme.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly identify the Igbo attire on the chart when prompted. Listen for their attempts to repeat the Igbo greetings. Encourage all pupils to participate, even if they only make sounds initially.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Repetition
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name different types of clothes they wear (e.g., school uniform, party dress). The teacher then introduces the idea that people from different parts of Nigeria wear special clothes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and name different clothes they wear.
Learning Point: Pupils recall different types of clothes and are prepared for the lesson.
Step 2: Introducing Major Ethnic Groups
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Identification/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the chart showing the three major ethnic groups. The teacher points to and names Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, explaining that these are very big groups of people in Nigeria. The teacher then focuses on the Igbo section.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the chart and listen as the teacher names the groups. They point to the Igbo section when asked.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognise the three major ethnic groups, with a focus on Igbo.
Step 3: Exploring Igbo Dress
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Description/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points specifically to the Igbo people on the chart. The teacher describes the Isiagu shirt for men and the wrappers/blouses for women, highlighting colours and patterns. The teacher asks pupils to point to the Isiagu and the women’s attire.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the Igbo dress on the chart, listen to the descriptions, and point to the Isiagu and women’s wrappers/blouses when prompted.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe basic elements of Igbo traditional dress.
Step 4: Learning Igbo Language Greetings
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Oral Repetition/Pronunciation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces simple Igbo greetings using flashcards. The teacher says “Kedu?” (Hello/How are you?) and “Ndewo” (Greetings/Welcome) clearly, demonstrating the pronunciation. The teacher encourages pupils to repeat the words several times.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards and repeat “Kedu?” and “Ndewo” after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and practice simple greetings in the Igbo language.
Step 5: Cultural Reinforcement through Song
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Singing/Movement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in singing the “Our Nigerian Cultures Song,” demonstrating the actions. The teacher encourages all pupils to sing along and perform the actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the song with the teacher and follow the actions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of Nigerian cultural diversity through song and movement.
Step 6: Guided Discussion and Identification
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks questions like, “Can you point to the Igbo man’s shirt?” or “What is the Igbo word for hello?” The teacher provides positive reinforcement for correct answers and gentle correction for mistakes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by pointing to the chart or attempting to say the Igbo words.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their new knowledge by identifying and recalling key information.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Point to the Igbo people on our chart.”
- “What is the special shirt Igbo men wear called?” (Prompt: Isiagu)
- “Can you say ‘Hello’ in Igbo?” (Prompt: Kedu)
- “Let’s sing our Nigerian Cultures Song one more time!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and for learning about the Igbo people. The teacher reminds them that it’s good to learn about different cultures in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and clap for themselves.
Learning Point: Pupils feel a sense of accomplishment and cultural appreciation.
Lesson Keywords
- Igbo – A major group of people in Nigeria.
- Isiagu – A type of patterned shirt worn by Igbo men.
- Kedu – An Igbo word meaning “Hello” or “How are you?”
- Ndewo – An Igbo word for “Greetings” or “Welcome.”
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, provide one-on-one attention, use larger pictures of Igbo attire, and focus only on repeating “Kedu” multiple times. Use hand-over-hand gestures to help them point to the correct items on the chart.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, ask them to identify other colours they see in the Igbo attire or try to repeat both “Kedu” and “Ndewo” without prompting. Encourage them to share if they know anyone who is Igbo.
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