Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare pictures or simple props representing various Nigerian cultural activities like traditional clothes, food, or storytelling scenes. The central idea for pupils is to understand that cultural activities are special things we do that show who we are and where we come from. Encourage active participation in simple cultural expressions, celebrating every child’s effort and contribution in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Civic Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: Understanding simple rules at home and school.
Topic: Cultural Activities
Subject Matter: Meaning and examples of cultural activities.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify and name at least two cultural activities.
- State a simple meaning of cultural activities.
Affective Domain
- Show interest in learning about different cultural activities.
- Appreciate the cultural expressions of their peers.
Psychomotor Domain
- Participate in a simple cultural activity like telling a short story or reciting a rhyme.
- Demonstrate a simple traditional greeting or dance step.
Social Domain
- Take turns and listen respectfully when others share cultural activities.
- Engage in healthy, friendly sharing of cultural expressions with peers.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
- A suitable early-years Civic Education workbook.
Instructional Materials
- Pictures/posters showing different Nigerian cultural activities (e.g., storytelling, traditional dances, greetings, dressing, food).
- Simple props for role-play (e.g., a piece of traditional fabric, a small drum, a book for storytelling).
- Audio player for traditional songs.
- Video display for cultural activity videos.
- Playground or open space for movement activities.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it introduces them to the concept of culture and the diverse ways people express their identity. Understanding cultural activities helps children appreciate their heritage, respect others’ traditions, and develop a sense of belonging within their community and nation. It fosters social awareness and promotes an early understanding of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of their family and community, and they know that people do different things and have different ways of doing things.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are special things we do that show who we are and where we come from. They are often passed down from our parents, grandparents, and other older people in our community. These activities help us remember our traditions and connect with our history. Examples of Cultural Activities:- Folktales/Tales by Moonlight: Telling traditional stories, often with lessons, especially at night.
- Traditional Songs and Dances: Singing songs and dancing in special ways that belong to our people.
- Traditional Greetings: Special ways we greet elders or important people.
- Short Local Rhymes or Chants (like Ewi): Reciting short poems or chants in our local languages.
- Traditional Dressing: Wearing special clothes for different occasions.
- Traditional Food: Eating special dishes that are part of our culture.
Key Words
- Culture – The way a group of people live, including their language, food, clothes, and traditions.
- Activities – Things people do.
- Folktales – Old stories passed down through generations.
- Ewi – Short traditional rhymes or poetry, especially in Yoruba culture.
Our Culture Song
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lyrics:
Culture, culture, we all share,
Special things beyond compare.
Stories, songs, and dances too,
Things our families love to do.
Culture, culture, strong and bright,
Makes our world a joyful sight!
Actions:
- “Culture, culture, we all share”: Hug self, then open arms wide.
- “Special things beyond compare”: Point to head, then make a proud gesture.
- “Stories, songs, and dances too”: Mimic telling a story, then singing, then dancing.
- “Things our families love to do”: Point to self, then make a heart shape with hands.
- “Culture, culture, strong and bright”: Make strong arm muscles, then raise hands high.
- “Makes our world a joyful sight!”: Smile and clap hands.
Watch and Learn About African Culture
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Start by asking pupils what “special things” their families do. Explain “cultural activities” simply using familiar examples from their own lives (e.g., how they greet elders, special food they eat at home). Use pictures and posters to illustrate each example clearly. Emphasize that these activities are fun and connect us to our past.
What to show or demonstrate: Display pictures of children telling stories, dancing, or wearing traditional attire. Demonstrate a simple traditional greeting or a basic dance step. If possible, bring a simple prop like a small drum or a piece of traditional fabric to make it concrete.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce “Our Culture Song” after discussing examples. Sing it slowly first, then with actions. Repeat it several times, encouraging pupils to join in the singing and actions. This helps reinforce the concept of cultural activities in a fun, memorable way.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a chance to see children from another part of Africa sharing their culture through song and movement. Play the video “African Children’s Songs – Funga Alafia” (or a similar suitable video). After watching, discuss what the children in the video were doing (singing, moving) and encourage pupils to try some of the simple actions they saw.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can identify any cultural activities from the pictures or discussions. Encourage shy pupils to participate by offering simple, non-threatening tasks like pointing to a picture or repeating a word. Ensure the “healthy competition” is a positive sharing experience, not focused on winning or losing.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Role-play
- Imitation
- Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Greeting/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in a familiar welcome song. The teacher then asks pupils what special things they do with their families, like telling stories or singing songs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and share simple family activities.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready for the lesson, connecting to familiar experiences.
Step 2: Explaining Cultural Activities
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Introduction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains in simple terms that “cultural activities are special things we do that show who we are and where we come from, passed down from our parents.” The teacher uses simple language and relates it to their lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and try to repeat the simple meaning in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the basic meaning of cultural activities.
Step 3: Discussing Examples (Oral and Visual)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Picture Talk/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures of different Nigerian cultural activities (e.g., children listening to a folktale, dancing, greeting elders). The teacher names each activity and asks pupils what they see.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, point to different elements, and name activities they recognise.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and name various cultural activities.
Step 4: Rhyme and Movement
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Song/Movement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces and leads the pupils in singing “Our Culture Song” with actions. The teacher models the actions and encourages pupils to imitate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing along and perform the actions for “Our Culture Song.”
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce the concept of culture through song and movement.
Step 5: Video and Discussion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Media Integration/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the video “African Children’s Songs – Funga Alafia” and asks pupils to watch what the children are doing. After the video, the teacher asks pupils what cultural activity they saw (singing, dancing).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and discuss what they observed, identifying the cultural activities shown.
Learning Point: Pupils observe and identify cultural activities from a video.
Step 6: Healthy Sharing of Cultural Expressions
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to participate in a friendly sharing of cultural activities. The teacher asks pupils to take turns sharing a simple cultural expression they know, such as a short rhyme, a traditional greeting, or a simple dance step. The teacher praises every effort.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take turns to share a simple cultural activity they know, with encouragement from the teacher and peers.
Learning Point: Pupils actively participate in and appreciate various cultural expressions.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- What are cultural activities? (Simple answer: “Things we do that show who we are.”)
- Name one cultural activity you learned today. (e.g., storytelling, dancing, special greetings).
- Show me how you would greet an elder in a traditional way.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them that cultural activities are important and fun. The teacher encourages them to continue learning about their culture at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond with enthusiasm.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and understand the importance of cultural activities.
Lesson Keywords
- Culture – The special ways people live, like their songs, stories, and clothes.
- Activities – Things people do.
- Folktales – Old, traditional stories.
- Ewi – Short traditional rhymes or poems.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who need extra help, the teacher can provide more direct modelling of actions, use larger pictures, or offer fewer choices when asking for examples. They can be prompted to just repeat a keyword or point to a picture.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher can encourage them to share another cultural activity they know from their home, or to lead a small group in a simple traditional greeting or rhyme. They can also be asked to identify cultural activities in different pictures.
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