Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Book Keeping
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Double Column Cash Book: Preparation and Differences from Single Column Cash Book.
Topic: Contra – Entry
Subject Matter: Meaning of contra entry, Identification of contra transactions, Recording contra entries

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define contra entry in Book Keeping.
Identify different transactions that result in contra entries.
State the rules for recording contra entries in a two-column cash book.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of accurate record-keeping for cash and bank transactions.
Show interest in correctly classifying transactions as contra entries.

Psychomotor Domain:

Record contra entries correctly in a two-column cash book.
Balance a two-column cash book that includes contra entries.

Work together to solve exercises involving contra entries.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Book Keeping.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
A. L. Adu (2018). Book Keeping for Senior Secondary Schools 1-3. University Press PLC.
N. M. Ojeme (2019). Simplified Book Keeping for Senior Secondary Schools. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A chart showing a specimen of a two-column cash book.
Whiteboard or chalkboard and markers/chalk.
Textbooks on Book Keeping.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to correctly record internal transfers of cash within a business. It is important for managing cash and bank accounts accurately and ensures that the cash book reflects the true financial position of the business.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of the double-entry system, the concept of debit and credit, and the basic structure and operation of a two-column cash book.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Contra Entry

Meaning of Contra Entry

A contra entry is a transaction that affects both the cash and bank columns of a cash book on the same date. It means that an account is debited and credited in the same ledger (the cash book) for the same amount. These transactions do not involve any external party.

Identification of Contra Transactions

The following are common contra transactions:

Cash paid into the bank: When cash from the business safe is deposited into the business bank account. The cash column is credited, and the bank column is debited.
Cash withdrawn from the bank for office use: When cash is taken out of the bank account for daily office expenses or to replenish the cash till. The bank column is credited, and the cash column is debited.

Recording Contra Entries

To record a contra entry, the following steps are taken:

Identify the transaction as a contra entry (e.g., cash deposited into the bank or cash withdrawn from the bank for office use).
Debit the appropriate column (Cash or Bank) and credit the other column (Bank or Cash) with the same amount on the same date.
In the Folio (LF) column on both the debit and credit sides, the letter ‘C’ is written to indicate that it is a contra entry. This prevents the amount from being posted to another ledger account.

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 reviews the previous lesson on the two-column cash book. The teacher then asks pupils to recall what happens when cash is received or paid out through the bank.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and actively participate in the review.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Contra Entry

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Contra Entry” and defines what it means in Book Keeping, emphasizing that it’s an internal transfer affecting both cash and bank columns in the cash book. The teacher uses the cash book chart to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of contra entry.

Step 3: Identification of Contra Transactions

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Categorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and provides examples of transactions that are considered contra entries, such as “cash deposited into the bank” and “cash withdrawn from the bank for office use.” The teacher explains why these are contra.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and differentiate between contra and non-contra transactions.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify transactions that require a contra entry.

Step 4: Recording Contra Entries (Demonstration)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: Using the cash book chart or the whiteboard, the teacher demonstrates how to record a contra entry. The teacher shows how to debit one column, credit the other, and importantly, how to use the letter ‘C’ in the Folio (LF) column for both entries. A practical example is used.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, follow the steps, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps for recording contra entries.

Step 5: Practice Exercise

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides a simple transaction (e.g., “Paid cash N5,000 into the bank”) and asks pupils to record it in a drawn cash book format in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to record the given transaction as a contra entry.
Learning Point: Pupils practice recording contra entries under guidance.

Step 6: Correction and Clarification

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Feedback/Correction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reviews the pupils’ work, corrects common errors, and provides further explanations where necessary to ensure understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils check their work and make corrections.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and correct any misconceptions.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is a contra entry in Book Keeping?
Mention two examples of transactions that are recorded as contra entries.
Explain how you would record cash paid into the bank in a two-column cash book.
What letter is used in the folio column for contra entries?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of correctly identifying and recording contra entries for accurate financial records. The teacher then gives an assignment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils review the main concepts and get further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Contra Entry – A transaction affecting both the cash and bank columns of a cash book.
Cash Book – A book of original entry and a ledger account used to record all cash and bank transactions.
Debit – An entry on the left side of an account.
Credit – An entry on the right side of an account.
Folio (LF) – The column in a ledger or journal used to reference the page number of the corresponding entry.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide additional simple examples and walk through the recording process step-by-step. More advanced pupils will be given complex transactions that might involve multiple contra entries or be challenged to explain the rationale behind using ‘C’ in the folio column.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that the cash book chart is large and clear enough for all pupils to see. Emphasize the ‘C’ in the folio column as a unique identifier for contra entries. Encourage pupils to practice with various examples to solidify their understanding.