Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 10
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies / Information Technology
Previous Lesson: Harmful Traditional Practices: Examples of Harmful Traditional Practices.
Topic: HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES III
Subject Matter: Preventive measures to female genital mutilation and early marriage, Public enlightenment: Education, Consequences of harmful traditional practices: Problem of child birth, Exploitation of children

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

State preventive measures against female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage.
Explain the role of public enlightenment through education.
Identify the consequences of harmful traditional practices on childbirth.
List ways children are exploited due to harmful traditional practices.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of education in preventing harmful traditional practices.
Condemn all forms of female genital mutilation and early marriage.
Show empathy towards victims of harmful traditional practices.

Psychomotor Domain:

Advocate for the eradication of harmful traditional practices in their communities.
Participate in discussions aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of harmful practices.
Suggest practical steps for preventing child exploitation.

Collaborate with peers to create awareness materials on the dangers of FGM and early marriage.
Promote respectful interactions concerning cultural differences while condemning harmful ones.
Engage in community dialogues against harmful traditional practices.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Science and Technology (JSS 3)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Basic Science and Technology
Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 3.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-marriage

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing images of healthy childbirth versus complications from FGM.
Pictures depicting various forms of child exploitation.
Whiteboard and markers.
Handouts with case studies on early marriage.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the dangers of harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation and early marriage. It also enables them to identify preventive measures and the role of education in protecting children from exploitation, promoting their well-being and development.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of human rights and the concept of tradition from previous lessons on harmful traditional practices.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES III

Preventive Measures to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early Marriage

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Early marriage is any marriage or union where one or both parties are under 18 years old. Both are harmful traditional practices with severe consequences.

The following are preventive measures:

Education and Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities, parents, and children about the health and social consequences of FGM and early marriage.
Enforcement of Laws: Implementing and enforcing national and international laws that prohibit FGM and child marriage.
Community Engagement: Involving traditional and religious leaders, as well as community members, in dialogue and advocacy against these practices.
Empowerment of Women and Girls: Providing girls with access to education, economic opportunities, and life skills to make informed decisions.
Alternative Rites of Passage: Promoting alternative ceremonies that celebrate a girl’s transition to womanhood without involving FGM.

Public Enlightenment: Education

Public enlightenment through education is a powerful tool in combating harmful traditional practices. It helps to change perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that perpetuate these practices.

Key aspects of education in public enlightenment include:

Integrating information about the dangers of FGM and early marriage into school curricula.
Organizing workshops, seminars, and community meetings to inform the public.
Utilizing media (radio, television, social media) to disseminate messages widely.
Engaging health workers and community volunteers to provide information and support.

Consequences of Harmful Traditional Practices

Harmful traditional practices lead to severe negative consequences for individuals and society.

Problem of Childbirth

For girls and women who undergo FGM or are forced into early marriage, childbirth can be extremely dangerous and complicated.

The problems include:

Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF): A severe condition where a hole develops between the bladder and vagina, leading to continuous leakage of urine.
Maternal and Infant Mortality: Increased risk of death for both the mother and baby due to complications during delivery.
Prolonged and Obstructed Labour: Difficulty in childbirth due to a narrow birth canal or scar tissue from FGM.
Severe Pain and Haemorrhage: Excessive bleeding and intense pain during and after delivery.
Infections: Higher risk of infections during and after childbirth.

Exploitation of Children

Harmful traditional practices often lead to the exploitation of children, denying them their rights and opportunities.

Forms of exploitation include:

Child Labour: Children, especially those in early marriages, are often forced into domestic work or other forms of labour, denying them education and leisure.
Lack of Access to Education: Early marriage often results in girls dropping out of school, limiting their future prospects.
Physical and Psychological Abuse: Children subjected to these practices often suffer from physical harm, emotional trauma, and psychological distress.
Sexual Exploitation: Girls in early marriages are vulnerable to sexual abuse and lack control over their bodies.
Loss of Childhood: Children are forced to take on adult responsibilities prematurely, losing their innocence and opportunities for growth and development.

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 harmful traditional practices. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking pupils to mention any harmful practices they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings, recall points from the previous lesson, and mention various harmful practices.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of previous knowledge and introduced to the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Preventive Measures

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains preventive measures against FGM and early marriage, emphasizing education, law enforcement, and community involvement. The teacher uses charts to illustrate these points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand various strategies to prevent FGM and early marriage.

Step 3: Discussion on Public Enlightenment

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on how public enlightenment, especially through education, can help combat these practices. The teacher encourages pupils to share ideas on how to educate their communities.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the discussion, offer suggestions, and share their understanding of the importance of education.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the role of education in changing societal attitudes towards harmful practices.

Step 4: Consequences of FGM and Early Marriage: Problem of Childbirth

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the severe consequences of FGM and early marriage, focusing on problems during childbirth such as VVF, maternal mortality, and prolonged labour. The teacher uses relevant images or diagrams.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the images, listen to the explanations, and ask questions about the health implications.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the grave health risks associated with FGM and early marriage during childbirth.

Step 5: Consequences: Exploitation of Children

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses how harmful practices lead to the exploitation of children, including child labour, denial of education, and physical/psychological abuse. The teacher emphasizes the loss of childhood.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute examples of child exploitation they might have observed or heard about.
Learning Point: Pupils identify various forms of child exploitation linked to harmful traditional practices.

Step 6: Recap

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, asking pupils to recall one important thing they learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils state one key point from the lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson content.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

State three preventive measures against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Explain how education can serve as a tool for public enlightenment against harmful traditional practices.
Mention two complications that may arise during childbirth due to FGM or early marriage.
List two ways children can be exploited as a result of harmful traditional practices.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher commends the pupils for their participation and assigns homework: “Research and write down the names of two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria working against harmful traditional practices.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to continue learning about the topic.

Lesson Keywords

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – The partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Early Marriage – Any marriage or union where one or both parties are under the age of 18.
Public Enlightenment – The process of educating and informing the public about a particular issue.
Child Exploitation – The abuse of children for personal, social, or financial gain.
Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) – An abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous involuntary discharge of urine.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on specific laws against FGM and early marriage in Nigeria. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and additional examples, ensuring they understand the core concepts of prevention and consequences through visual aids and one-on-one explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should approach this sensitive topic with empathy and respect for cultural diversity, while firmly condemning harmful practices. Encourage open discussion in a safe classroom environment. Utilize real-life examples or case studies (with care and sensitivity) to make the lesson more relatable and impactful. Emphasize that not all traditional practices are harmful, but focus on those that infringe on human rights and well-being.