Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature-in-English
Curriculum Theme: Literature-in-English
Previous Lesson: Characterization.
Topic: Role Play (Drama) for “Harvest of Corruption” by Frank Ogodo
Subject Matter: role play of major characters’ actions, role play of minor characters’ actions, dramatization of key scenes in the play
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- define role play in drama.
- identify major and minor characters involved in selected scenes of “Harvest of Corruption”.
- state key actions of major and minor characters in the selected scenes.
- explain lessons learnt from the dramatized scenes.
Affective Domain:
- show confidence and self-control while performing role play.
- show respect for classmates during performances and feedback.
Psychomotor Domain:
- perform role play of selected scenes using appropriate voice, movement, and facial expression.
- use simple costumes and props correctly for dramatization.
Social Domain:
- work cooperatively in groups to rehearse and present short scenes.
- participate in group discussion by giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Frank Ogodo Ogbeche, “Harvest of Corruption” (prescribed text)
- Britannica: Drama
- Britannica: Theatre
- BBC Bitesize: Drama Skills
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- copies of “Harvest of Corruption”
- printed selected scenes (short extracts)
- simple costumes (caps, jackets, scarves) and safe props (paper files, notepads)
- character list chart
- classroom space arranged for acting
- board and board markers
Rationale for the Lesson
Role play helps pupils understand characters and events better by acting them out. It also improves speaking, confidence, and teamwork, which supports clear answers in literature examinations.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have read selected scenes from “Harvest of Corruption” and can describe major and minor characters and their roles.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Role Play in “Harvest of Corruption”
Meaning of Role Play
Role play is acting out the behaviour and speech of a character in a given situation to show events, feelings, and ideas in a drama.
Major and Minor Characters for Role Play
The following are character groups commonly used for role play in the play:
- major characters who drive the main conflict and major decisions.
- minor characters who support events, give information, and help reveal themes.
Actions to Portray During Role Play
The following are actions to portray when role playing characters:
- speech style and choice of words that fit the character.
- movement and gestures that show status, mood, and intention.
- facial expressions that match the scene’s tension or emotion.
- interaction with other characters showing relationship and conflict.
Dramatization of Key Scenes
The following are common key-scene focus areas for dramatization:
- scenes showing abuse of office and unfair advantage.
- scenes showing investigation, confrontation, or exposure of wrongdoing.
- scenes showing consequences of corruption on victims and society.
- scenes showing moral choices, resistance, or confession.
Guidelines for Effective Role Play
The following are guidelines for effective role play:
- read the scene and identify the main event and conflict.
- assign roles clearly to major and minor characters.
- rehearse short lines and actions, keeping the scene within a time limit.
- use clear voice, correct pronunciation, and appropriate tone.
- keep props safe and simple, and maintain classroom order.
Lessons Learnt from the Scenes
The following are lessons that can be drawn from dramatized scenes in the play:
- corruption damages trust and causes suffering.
- power misuse leads to conflict and serious consequences.
- honesty and courage support justice and accountability.
- society is affected when leaders make selfish decisions.
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 asks pupils to mention two major characters and two minor characters from “Harvest of Corruption” and briefly state one action each performed in a studied scene. The teacher links responses to today’s role play lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming characters and stating actions from the play.
Learning Point: Characters’ actions reveal plot and themes.
Step 2: Explanation of Role Play and Expectations
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines role play and outlines performance expectations: clear voice, appropriate movement, teamwork, and respect for others. The teacher writes the meaning of role play on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and repeat the definition in their own words.
Learning Point: Role play is acting out characters to show events and meaning in drama.
Step 3: Selection of Scenes and Role Assignment
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Organizing/Grouping
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shares printed scenes, groups pupils, and assigns each group a short key scene. The teacher guides pupils to list characters in the scene and label them as major or minor for the performance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils form groups, read scenes, and assign roles to group members.
Learning Point: Identifying characters in a scene helps accurate dramatization.
Step 4: Rehearsal and Coaching
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Coaching
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher moves round groups, correcting voice projection, tone, gestures, and timing. The teacher reminds pupils to show key actions of both major and minor characters.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils rehearse lines and actions, adjusting performance based on guidance.
Learning Point: Voice, movement, and expression improve meaning in role play.
Step 5: Group Performances (Dramatization)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites groups to perform one after another and ensures order and time control. The teacher notes key points on character actions and relationships shown in each performance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils perform scenes and observe other groups’ performances attentively.
Learning Point: Dramatization shows how actions and relationships move the plot.
Step 6: Discussion of Lessons from Scenes
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a short discussion on the lessons and themes shown in the scenes, focusing on consequences and moral choices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention lessons learnt and support points with examples from the performed scenes.
Learning Point: Scenes in the play teach lessons about corruption and accountability.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define role play in drama.
- State two actions that should be portrayed during role play of a character.
- List two guidelines for effective role play.
- Explain two lessons learnt from the dramatized scenes in “Harvest of Corruption”.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recapitulation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the meaning of role play, key actions to portray, guidelines, and lessons from scenes. The teacher gives a short assignment: write a brief account of one performed scene, naming the major and minor characters and stating one lesson learnt.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils submit group notes, copy the assignment, and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Role play supports understanding of characters, scenes, and themes in drama.
Lesson Keywords
- Role play – acting out a character’s speech and behaviour in a scene.
- Dramatization – presenting a scene through acting to show events clearly.
- Major character – a central character who drives the main plot.
- Minor character – a supporting character who helps develop events and themes.
- Theme – the main idea or message in a literary work.
- Scene – a section of a play where actions and dialogue occur in one setting.
Differentiation
Provide shorter speaking roles and cue cards for pupils who need support, while advanced pupils handle longer roles and lead group coordination. Allow shy pupils to participate through narrator roles, prop handling, or summarizing lessons after performances.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Select short, safe scenes suitable for classroom performance and enforce clear rules for respect and order. Keep focus on character actions, relationships, and lessons from the play, not on elaborate costumes or props.

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