Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Names of Members of the School (school Principals Subject in Relationship in the School).
Topic: Relationship in the School (Cont.)
Subject Matter: Choosing friends at school: factors to be considered (common interest, age, religion).

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define friendship in the context of school.
Identify at least three factors to consider when choosing friends at school.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of choosing good friends.
Desire to apply biblical principles in selecting friends.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate ways of interacting positively with chosen friends.
Apply the learned factors in making friendship choices.

Relate respectfully with peers of different backgrounds while maintaining good friendships.
Foster healthy and supportive relationships within the school environment.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religion Studies JSS 1.
State Unified Scheme of Work.
Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Bible.
Charts showing pictures of friends interacting.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the significance of choosing good friends in school. It enables them to identify important factors for making wise friendship choices, which can positively impact their academic and social development.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of general relationships within the school environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Choosing Friends at School

Factors to Consider When Choosing Friends

Choosing friends wisely is important for a good school experience and personal growth. Here are some factors to consider:

Common Interest: It is good to choose friends who share similar interests, hobbies, or academic goals. This helps in having positive activities together and supporting each other’s pursuits.
Age: While not a strict rule, choosing friends who are close to your age often means you share similar life experiences, challenges, and maturity levels. This can make understanding and communication easier.
Religion: Sharing the same religious beliefs can strengthen a friendship. Friends with similar religious values can encourage each other in their faith, moral conduct, and understanding of right and wrong according to God’s word.

Memory Verse

Proverbs 13:20 – “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Bible Reading

Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 22:24-25
1 Corinthians 15:33

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 relationships in school. The teacher then introduces the topic “Choosing Friends at School” by asking pupils about their best friends.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall the previous lesson, and share thoughts about their friends.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to their experiences.

Step 2: Explanation of Friendship

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what friendship means in a school context, emphasizing mutual support, trust, and shared values. The teacher clarifies that friends influence each other.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and contribute simple definitions of friendship.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic meaning and importance of friendship.

Step 3: Discussion on Common Interest

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on “common interest” as a factor in choosing friends. The teacher asks pupils how sharing hobbies or goals can make a friendship strong.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by giving examples of common interests they share with their friends and how it helps their friendship.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how shared interests contribute to healthy friendships.

Step 4: Discussion on Age

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses “age” as another factor. The teacher explains that while age is not the only factor, being close in age can mean similar experiences and challenges, making friends more relatable.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and share opinions on why having friends of similar age can be beneficial.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the role of age in friendship dynamics.

Step 5: Discussion on Religion

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Moral Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of “religion” when choosing friends, highlighting how shared faith can provide moral guidance and support. The teacher emphasizes choosing friends who encourage good Christian values.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and discuss how shared religious beliefs can strengthen a friendship.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the significance of shared faith in choosing friends.

Step 6: Memory Verse and Bible Reading

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Scripture Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes Proverbs 13:20 on the board as the memory verse and guides pupils to read it aloud. The teacher also guides pupils to read other relevant Bible passages such as Proverbs 22:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read and memorize the verse, and read the other Bible passages.
Learning Point: Pupils learn biblical principles related to choosing friends.

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 is friendship in the context of school?
Mention three factors to consider when choosing friends at school.
State the memory verse for today’s lesson.

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 choosing friends wisely based on common interests, age, and religion. The teacher assigns homework: “List five qualities of a good friend.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils recall key aspects of the lesson and are given an opportunity to reinforce their learning.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about Relationship in the School (Cont.) and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

Friendship – A relationship between people who like each other and support each other.
Common interest – Shared hobbies, activities, or goals that friends enjoy together.
Age – The number of years a person has lived, often considered for shared experiences.
Religion – A system of faith and worship, which can influence moral values and choices.
Wise counsel – Good advice or guidance, especially from someone with experience or good judgment.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simpler explanations and direct questions. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage deeper discussion on the long-term effects of good and bad friendships and ask them to provide more detailed examples from their own experiences.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to share their experiences respectfully. Emphasize that while these factors are important, the most important aspect is choosing friends who encourage positive behavior and uphold Christian values. Facilitate an open discussion to address any misconceptions about friendship.