Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature in English
Curriculum Theme: Literary Appreciation (Poetry)
Previous Lesson: Introduction to “Ambush” by Gbemisola Adeoti.
Topic: Introduction to “The Dining Table” by Gbanabam Hallewell
Subject Matter: Meaning of the poem “The Dining Table”, background and setting of the poet and poem, subject matter and summary, effective use of poetic devices and techniques, effective use of imagery and symbolism

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify the background and setting of the poet and the poem.
Summarize the main subject matter of the poem.
Explain the meaning and themes of “The Dining Table”.
Define and identify poetic devices used in the poem.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the poet’s message and artistic expression.
Develop an interest in analyzing poetry for deeper meaning.
Value the use of literary devices in conveying a message.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss the poem’s themes and messages in class.
Provide examples of poetic devices, imagery, and symbolism from the poem.
Write a brief summary of the poem.

Participate actively in class discussions about the poem.
Share their interpretations and perspectives on the poem’s meaning.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Effective Literature in English for Senior Secondary Schools by J.A. Adekunle

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Text of the poem “The Dining Table” by Gbanabam Hallewell.
A cardboard or printed picture of a dining table.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the message and artistic techniques in “The Dining Table” by Gbanabam Hallewell. It enables them to appreciate how poets use language to convey important societal issues, improving their analytical skills.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of basic literary terms and poetic analysis from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction to “The Dining Table” by Gbanabam Hallewell

About the Poet: Gbanabam Hallewell

Gbanabam Hallewell is a contemporary poet whose works often reflect on socio-political issues, human experiences, and the state of society. Understanding his background helps in appreciating the context of his poetry.

Background and Setting of the Poem

“The Dining Table” is a poem that often reflects the realities of post-colonial African societies. The setting is typically symbolic, representing a place of gathering, sharing, and governance, which can be seen in both literal and metaphorical terms within the poem.

Summary of the Poem

The poem “The Dining Table” explores themes of corruption, inequality, disillusionment, and the exploitation of national resources. It uses the metaphor of a dining table to represent a nation’s wealth or governance, where a select few feast while the majority starve or are left with crumbs. The poem highlights the betrayal of trust and the decay of societal values.

Poetic Devices and Techniques

Poets use various devices to enhance meaning and evoke emotion. In “The Dining Table,” Hallewell effectively employs several:

Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The dining table itself is a major metaphor for the nation’s resources or leadership.
Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Personification: Giving human qualities or characteristics to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.
Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words.
Symbolism: The use of objects or ideas to represent something else.
Imagery: Language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste), creating vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, which are central to its message:

The Dining Table: Symbolizes the nation’s wealth, opportunities, or the seat of power/governance. It represents what should be a place of equitable sharing but becomes one of greed.
Food/Crumbs: Represents the national resources, benefits, or opportunities. The contrast between abundant food for some and mere crumbs for others highlights inequality.
Hunger/Starvation: Symbolizes the suffering, deprivation, and neglect of the common people.
Feasting/Gorging: Represents the excessive consumption and corruption by those in power.

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 displays a picture of a dining table and asks pupils what comes to mind when they see it, linking it to sharing and food. The teacher then introduces the topic, “The Dining Table” by Gbanabam Hallewell.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their thoughts about a dining table and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and activate prior knowledge about dining tables.

Step 2: Background and Setting of the Poet and Poem

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides a brief background of the poet, Gbanabam Hallewell, and explains the likely socio-political context and setting that influenced the poem, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary society.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes on the poet’s background and the poem’s setting.
Learning Point: Pupils gain insight into the context of the poem.

Step 3: Subject Matter and Summary of the Poem

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils through the poem’s text (if available) or provides a detailed summary, highlighting the main themes of corruption, inequality, and exploitation. The teacher explains the core message conveyed by the poet.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow along, ask questions for clarification, and attempt to summarize the poem in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the main subject matter and themes of the poem.

Step 4: Poetic Devices and Techniques

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains various poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, and irony, providing general examples and then asking pupils to identify these devices within “The Dining Table.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and actively participate in identifying poetic devices and providing examples from the poem.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to identify and explain poetic devices used in the poem.

Step 5: Imagery and Symbolism

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Interpretation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of imagery and symbolism, focusing on how the dining table, food, and hunger are used symbolically in the poem. The teacher guides pupils to interpret their deeper meanings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify key images and symbols, explaining their significance in conveying the poem’s message.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the effective use of imagery and symbolism in the poem.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Who is Gbanabam Hallewell?
Briefly summarize the poem “The Dining Table” in your own words.
Mention two major themes explored in “The Dining Table.”
Identify and explain one poetic device used in the poem, giving an example.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reiterates the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the poem’s message about societal issues and the poet’s use of literary techniques. The teacher assigns homework for further practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the poem and its literary aspects.

Lesson Keywords

Dining Table – A central symbol in the poem, representing national resources or governance.
Gbanabam Hallewell – The poet of “The Dining Table.”
Poetic Devices – Techniques like metaphor, simile, and personification used by poets.
Imagery – Language that creates vivid sensory experiences for the reader.
Symbolism – The use of objects or ideas to represent deeper meanings.
Theme – The central idea or message of a poem.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to analyze additional lines or stanzas for deeper meaning and identify more subtle literary devices. For pupils who require more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, rephrase questions, and guide them with specific examples from the poem.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have copies of the poem “The Dining Table” for all pupils or display it clearly for collective reading. Encourage pupils to read the poem multiple times to fully grasp its meaning and appreciate the poet’s craft. Facilitate a classroom environment where pupils feel comfortable sharing their interpretations and asking questions.