Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature-in-English
Curriculum Theme: Literature-in-English
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: Introduction to Literature
Subject Matter: definitions of literature, functions of literature, differences between literature in English and English literature

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define literature in their own words.
Explain at least three functions of literature.
Distinguish between Literature-in-English and English Literature.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the role of literature in reflecting society and culture.
Show interest in reading various forms of literary texts.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify different genres of literature when presented with examples.
Participate actively in discussions about literary concepts.

Collaborate effectively with peers during group activities related to literary definitions.
Share their understanding of literary terms with classmates.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Literature-in-English.
Adeola, O. (2018). Effective Literature-in-English for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts displaying definitions of literature.
Samples of different literary texts (e.g., a poem, an excerpt from a novel, a play script).
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to understand what literature is and its importance in society. It also clarifies key terms in the study of literature, enabling pupils to better appreciate different forms of literary expression and their cultural relevance.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of English language, storytelling, and have read simple narratives or poems in primary school.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction to Literature

Definition of Literature

Literature can be defined as written works, especially those considered to have artistic merit. It often refers to imaginative works such as poetry, drama, and prose fiction.

Other definitions of literature include:

A body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or period.
The imaginative and creative expression of human experience, thoughts, and feelings through written words.
Any written material, regardless of its artistic merit.

Functions of Literature

Literature serves several important functions in society. The following are some key functions:

Education: Literature teaches readers about different cultures, historical periods, human nature, and various aspects of life.
Entertainment: It provides enjoyment, pleasure, and an escape from reality through engaging stories and captivating language.
Moral Instruction: Literature often conveys moral lessons, ethical values, and helps in shaping character.
Cultural Preservation: It preserves and transmits the culture, traditions, beliefs, and history of a people from one generation to another.
Social Commentary: Literature can reflect, criticize, and comment on societal issues, injustices, and political realities, prompting reflection and change.
Emotional Expression: It provides an avenue for authors to express complex emotions and for readers to explore and understand their own feelings.

Differences between Literature-in-English and English Literature

It is important to understand the distinction between Literature-in-English and English Literature:

English Literature: This term generally refers to literary works written originally in the English language by authors from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and sometimes other native English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, or Australia. It primarily focuses on the literary traditions of these regions.
Literature-in-English: This broader term refers to literary works written in the English language by authors from non-native English-speaking countries, particularly those from former British colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. These works often reflect the indigenous cultures, experiences, and perspectives of these regions, while using English as the medium of expression.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Engaging Prior Knowledge
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention any book or story they have read recently. The teacher then asks what they enjoyed about the story.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning books and sharing what they found interesting about them.
Learning Point: Pupils’ interest is aroused, and a connection is made to their prior experiences with stories.

Step 2: Defining Literature

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Development
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents various definitions of literature using a chart and explains each. The teacher encourages pupils to contribute their own understanding of literature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute their ideas, and write down the definitions in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a clear understanding of what literature is.

Step 3: Functions of Literature

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various functions of literature, providing examples for each function. The teacher asks pupils to think of specific literary works that illustrate these functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and identify examples of literary functions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance and various roles of literature in society.

Step 4: Distinguishing Literature-in-English and English Literature

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Differentiation/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher clearly explains the differences between “English Literature” and “Literature-in-English,” using examples of authors and their origins to illustrate the distinction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions to clarify their understanding of the two terms.
Learning Point: Pupils can correctly differentiate between English Literature and Literature-in-English.

Step 5: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaborative Learning/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and provides them with short excerpts from different literary texts (some English Literature, some Literature-in-English). Each group discusses and identifies the possible origin/category of the text and one function it serves.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, discuss the excerpts, and report their findings to the class.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding of definitions, functions, and distinctions of literature.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

What is literature?
Mention three functions of literature.
State one key difference between English Literature and Literature-in-English.
Give an example of a literary work that serves an educational function.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Assignment/Homework

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher assigns homework: “Find and write down the titles of two literary works from Nigeria and two from England. State one function of each work.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the assignment into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning through independent research and application.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions, functions, and distinctions discussed. The teacher encourages pupils to continue exploring the world of literature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded with a recap of essential information.

Lesson Keywords

Literature – Written works, especially those considered to have artistic merit, such as poetry, drama, and prose.
Fiction – Imaginative narration, especially in prose, that is not presented as fact, though it may be based on a true story.
Non-fiction – Prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people, such as biography or history.
Poetry – Literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.
Drama – A play for theatre, radio, or television.
Prose – Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
Literature-in-English – Literary works written in English by authors from non-native English-speaking countries, often reflecting their own cultures.
English Literature – Literary works written in the English language by authors from native English-speaking countries, especially Britain.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to identify different literary genres and their characteristics beyond the lesson. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and more direct examples, possibly pairing them with stronger peers during group activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that they have a variety of short literary excerpts to use as examples, covering different genres and origins. Encourage pupils to share their personal experiences with stories and books to make the lesson more relatable. Emphasize the relevance of literature to daily life and cultural understanding.