Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Home Management
Curriculum Theme: Home Management
Previous Lesson: Family Living: Types, Advantages and Disadvantages.
Topic: Functions of Family as a Single Unit
Subject Matter: Functions of family as a single unit, functions of father in the family, functions of mother in the family, functions of children in the family
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define a family.
- State at least three general functions of the family.
- List at least two functions of the father in the family.
- Mention at least two functions of the mother in the family.
- Identify at least two functions of children in the family.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the different roles members play within a family unit.
- Develop respect for the contributions of each family member.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Participate actively in discussions about family roles.
- Collect and present pictures illustrating various family roles.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers in discussing family responsibilities.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Home Economics (Senior Secondary Education).
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Home Management SSS 1.
- Home Management for Senior Secondary Schools by A.O. Adewumi and F.O. Olaniyan.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Charts showing family structures and roles.
- Pictures illustrating family members performing different functions.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the importance of the family as the basic unit of society and the specific roles each member plays. Understanding these functions enables pupils to appreciate their own family structure and their responsibilities within it, promoting harmony and effective home management.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to have a basic understanding of what a family is and to be members of a family unit.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Functions of the Family as a Single Unit
Definition of Family
A family is a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, living together in a household and sharing common responsibilities.
General Functions of the Family
The family performs several important functions for its members and for society:
- Procreation: Bearing and raising children to ensure the continuation of the human race.
- Economic Function: Providing financial support, food, shelter, and clothing for its members.
- Socialisation: Teaching children social norms, values, culture, and acceptable behaviour.
- Protection: Ensuring the safety and security of its members from harm.
- Emotional Support: Providing love, care, affection, and a sense of belonging to family members.
- Educational Function: Laying the foundation for formal and informal education.
Functions of the Father in the Family
The father typically has specific roles within the family, which may include:
- Provider: Being the primary financial provider for the family.
- Protector: Ensuring the safety and security of the family.
- Disciplinarian: Helping to enforce rules and guide children’s behaviour.
- Role Model: Serving as a male figure and guide for children.
Functions of the Mother in the Family
The mother also performs vital functions within the family, such as:
- Nurturer: Providing care, love, and emotional support to children and other family members.
- Homemaker: Managing household chores, cooking, and maintaining a clean home environment.
- Educator: Often taking a leading role in the early education and moral development of children.
- Budget Management: Managing household finances and resources.
Functions of Children in the Family
Children also have responsibilities that contribute to the family unit, including:
- Obedience and Respect: Showing respect to parents and elders and obeying family rules.
- Assisting with Chores: Helping with household tasks according to their age and ability.
- Academic Achievement: Focussing on their studies and performing well in school.
- Representing the Family Well: Maintaining good behaviour and upholding family values outside the home.
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 mention some things they do at home to help their parents. The teacher then relates their answers to the roles they play in the family.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning chores or tasks they perform at home.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of their existing knowledge and roles within their families.
Step 2: Presentation of Topic and Objectives
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Information Giving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Functions of Family as a Single Unit” and states the lesson objectives to the pupils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and note the topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are aware of the lesson’s focus and expected learning outcomes.
Step 3: Discussion of General Functions of the Family
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a family and explains the general functions that a family performs using charts and pictures as aids. The teacher guides a discussion on each function.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, contribute to the discussion, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of a family and its overall importance.
Step 4: Discussion of Functions of the Father
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustrative
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific functions of the father in the family, using examples from the charts and pictures. The teacher encourages pupils to share examples of fathers performing these roles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, discuss, and relate the functions to their own experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the roles typically played by fathers.
Step 5: Discussion of Functions of the Mother
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustrative
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific functions of the mother in the family, using the instructional materials. The teacher facilitates a discussion on the importance of the mother’s roles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, engage in discussion, and note down the functions.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the roles typically played by mothers.
Step 6: Discussion of Functions of Children
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the functions of children in the family, encouraging pupils to state their own responsibilities. The teacher emphasizes the importance of children contributing positively to the family.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils state their functions and participate in the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils understand their own responsibilities and contributions within the family.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define a family.
- Mention three general functions of the family.
- State two functions of a father in the family.
- List two functions of a mother in the family.
- Identify two functions children perform in the family.
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 main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of each family member’s role. The teacher assigns homework: “Collect pictures illustrating different family members performing their functions at home.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further exploration of the topic.
Lesson Keywords
- Family – A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, living together.
- Functions – The duties or roles performed by an individual or group.
- Procreation – The process of producing offspring.
- Socialisation – The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
- Provider – Someone who supplies the means of subsistence.
- Homemaker – A person who manages a home.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher may ask them to elaborate on how family functions have evolved over time. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and visual aids, ensuring they can identify at least one function for each family member.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Teachers should encourage an open discussion culture where pupils feel comfortable sharing their perspectives on family roles, while ensuring that all contributions are respectful and align with general societal values regarding family structure and responsibilities.

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