Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 8
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Music
Curriculum Theme: Traditional Music and Dance
Previous Lesson: Sight Reading and Playing: Meaning and Musical Scores.
Topic: Nigerian and dance styles
Subject Matter: Meaning of Nigerian dance styles, choreographic patterns, spatial patterns, costumes, music.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define Nigerian dance styles.
Identify various choreographic and spatial patterns used in Nigerian dances.
Describe the role and types of costumes and music in Nigerian dance.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the cultural significance and diversity of Nigerian dance styles.
Show enthusiasm and willingness to participate in practical dance activities.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate basic choreographic and spatial patterns of selected Nigerian dances.
Perform simple dance movements in response to Nigerian drum rhythms.

Collaborate effectively with peers during group dance practice.
Respect the diverse cultural expressions found in Nigerian dance forms.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
A Comprehensive Approach to Music for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2.
https://www.nerdc.gov.ng/
https://www.waeconline.org.ng/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Dance costumes (or pictures/videos of them)
Drum rhythms or audio recordings of Nigerian traditional music
Diagrams illustrating space patterns
An open practice area

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the rich cultural heritage embedded in Nigerian dance styles. It enables them to appreciate the artistic elements and significance of these dances in Nigerian society, fostering a connection to their cultural identity.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of Nigerian culture, some forms of Nigerian music, and fundamental concepts of rhythm and movement.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Nigerian Dance Styles

Meaning of Nigerian Dance Styles

Nigerian dance styles are traditional dance forms that reflect the diverse cultures, traditions, beliefs, and history of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. These dances are often performed during festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, and rituals, serving social, religious, and communicative purposes.

Choreographic Patterns

Choreographic patterns refer to the arrangement of steps, movements, and formations within a dance. They dictate how dancers move in relation to each other and the overall structure of the performance.

Common choreographic patterns in Nigerian dance include:

Circular Formations: Dancers form a circle, often symbolizing community and unity.
Linear Formations: Dancers arrange themselves in straight lines, either side-by-side or one behind the other.
Semi-circular Formations: A half-circle arrangement, often with a lead dancer or drummers at the open end.
Call and Response: A lead dancer performs a movement, and others respond with similar or complementary movements.
Solo and Group Combinations: Periods of individual display interspersed with synchronized group movements.

Spatial Patterns

Spatial patterns involve the use of space, pathways, and levels by dancers. They define where dancers move within the performance area.

Key spatial patterns include:

Levels: Movements performed at low (crouching, sitting), medium (standing, bending), or high (jumping, lifting) levels.
Pathways: The routes dancers take across the performance space (e.g., straight lines, curves, diagonals, zig-zags).
Directions: Movements towards different points in space (forward, backward, sideways, turning).
Relationship to Others: Moving closer or further away from other dancers or the audience.

Costumes in Nigerian Dance

Costumes are an integral part of Nigerian dance, enhancing the visual appeal and conveying meaning. They vary greatly depending on the ethnic group, type of dance, and occasion.

Elements of Nigerian dance costumes often include:

Fabrics: Rich, colourful fabrics like adire, aso-oke, akwete, and conventional cotton are used.
Adornments: Beads, cowries, feathers, raffia, bells, and other natural materials are used for decoration and to create sound.
Props: Handkerchiefs, fans, swords, staffs, and masks are used to complement movements and convey specific messages.
Significance: Costumes often symbolize status, spirituality, gender, or the role of the dancer within the community.

Music in Nigerian Dance

Music is the driving force behind Nigerian dance, providing rhythm, tempo, and emotional context. It is inseparable from the dance itself.

Key aspects of music in Nigerian dance include:

Percussion Instruments: Drums (e.g., talking drums, gangan, bata, udu, ekwe), rattles (sekere, maracas), gongs, and xylophones provide the primary rhythmic foundation.
Melodic Instruments: Flutes, horns, and string instruments (e.g., goje, kora) may add melodic lines.
Vocalizations: Chants, songs, and communal singing often accompany the instrumental music, narrating stories or invoking spirits.
Rhythm and Tempo: The intricate rhythms and varying tempos guide the dancers’ movements, energy, and expression.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some Nigerian dances they know and describe any features they recall. This helps to gauge their prior knowledge.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming dances like Atilogwu, Bata, Koroso, etc., and mention aspects like drumming or costumes.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge about Nigerian dances, preparing them for the lesson.

Step 2: Meaning of Nigerian Dance Styles

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of Nigerian dance styles as traditional forms reflecting culture, traditions, and history, often performed for various occasions. The teacher also highlights their significance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes on the definition and significance of Nigerian dance styles.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental concept and cultural importance of Nigerian dance.

Step 3: Choreographic and Spatial Patterns

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains choreographic and spatial patterns, defining each. Using diagrams or simple movements, the teacher demonstrates examples like circular formations, linear pathways, and different levels.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations, listen to explanations, and identify various patterns in the diagrams or movements.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the structured movements and use of space in Nigerian dances.

Step 4: Costumes in Nigerian Dance

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures or actual examples of Nigerian dance costumes. The teacher discusses the types of materials, adornments, props, and the cultural significance of these costumes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the costumes/pictures, ask questions, and discuss how costumes enhance the dance and convey meaning.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the visual and symbolic role of costumes in Nigerian dance.

Step 5: Music in Nigerian Dance

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Auditory/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays short recordings of Nigerian traditional music with distinct drum rhythms. The teacher explains how percussion, melodic instruments, and vocalizations drive the dance movements.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the music, identify the instruments, and discuss how the rhythm dictates the dance.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the integral relationship between music and dance in Nigerian culture.

Step 6: Practical Demonstration/Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice simple choreographic and spatial patterns (e.g., forming a circle, moving in a line, stepping to a rhythm) to a drum beat or recording.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in practicing the basic movements and patterns as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a practical understanding of Nigerian dance elements through movement.

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 are Nigerian dance styles?
Mention two common choreographic patterns found in Nigerian dances.
Describe two ways spatial patterns are used in Nigerian dance.
State two materials commonly used for Nigerian dance costumes and their significance.
How does music support Nigerian dance performances?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points about Nigerian dance styles, patterns, costumes, and music. The teacher then gives an assignment: “Research a specific Nigerian dance from your locality, identifying its unique choreographic patterns, costumes, and accompanying music.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to explore Nigerian dance further.

Lesson Keywords

Nigerian Dance – Traditional dance forms reflecting Nigerian culture.
Choreography – The arrangement of dance steps and formations.
Spatial Patterns – The use of space, pathways, and levels in dance.
Costumes – Attire and adornments worn by dancers, conveying meaning.
Rhythm – The patterned flow of music that guides dance movements.
Traditional Music – Indigenous music forms, often percussion-based, used to accompany dances.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on demonstrating only the most basic patterns. For advanced pupils, the teacher will encourage them to identify and explain more complex dance patterns or research specific dance histories for their assignment.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should emphasize the practical aspect of Nigerian dance by encouraging movement and engagement. Visual aids like videos of actual performances can significantly enhance understanding. Encourage pupils to share their cultural experiences with Nigerian dances to make the lesson more relatable and interactive.