Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature In English
Curriculum Theme: Literature
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Meaning, History, and Functions of Literature
Subject Matter: Meaning, History and Functions of Literature

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define literature and explain its history.
(b) Identify the main functions of literature in society.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the value of literature as a mirror of life and culture.
(b) Develop interest in reading and discussing literary works.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Read aloud short passages of literature to demonstrate awareness of its form.
Social Domain:
(a) Participate in group discussions on how literature contributes to personal and community development.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Britannica – “Literature” (https://www.britannica.com/art/literature)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A chart with definitions and examples of literature
A short passage from a poem or folktale
Flashcards listing functions of literature
Whiteboard and markers
Multimedia clip showing oral storytelling or dramatic performance

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand literature as a form of human expression, trace its historical roots, and appreciate its functions in shaping culture, values, and knowledge.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with simple stories, songs, rhymes, and folktales from their homes and primary education experiences, which serve as a foundation for understanding literature.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Meaning of Literature

Literature is the written or spoken expression of human thoughts, ideas, and experiences through creative use of language. It reflects life, culture, and imagination.

The following are the meanings of literature:

Literature is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions.
It includes both written and oral works such as stories, poems, and plays.
It mirrors human society, traditions, and values.
It entertains, educates, and informs people through creative language.

History of Literature

The history of literature dates back to early human civilization. It began with oral traditions before the invention of writing. Stories, poems, and songs were used to pass down culture and history.

The following are the stages in the history of literature:

Oral tradition where folktales, myths, and songs were told by word of mouth.
The development of written texts such as early scripts, religious writings, and epics.
Classical literature of ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
Modern literature which includes novels, plays, poetry, and digital forms.

Functions of Literature

Literature serves many purposes in society. It does not only entertain but also educates, informs, and shapes human values.

The following are the functions of literature:

Literature entertains through stories, poems, and plays.
It educates by teaching moral lessons and life values.
It preserves culture and tradition across generations.
It improves language and communication skills.
It promotes critical thinking and imagination.
Literature unites people by sharing experiences and emotions.
It helps in understanding social issues and providing solutions.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Group Work, Question and Answer, Reading Aloud, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher narrates a short African folktale and asks pupils how such stories are passed from one generation to another.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond with answers about stories, songs, or writings.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to literature through their own experiences.

Step 2: Meaning of Literature

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains the meaning of literature and provides examples of oral and written works.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and give examples of literature they know.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and scope of literature.

Step 3: History of Literature

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher traces the history of literature from oral tradition to modern forms, using charts and short examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and identify familiar examples of traditional literature.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the development of literature through time.

Step 4: Functions of Literature

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains the functions of literature and relates them to real life situations like moral lessons from folktales.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their experiences of learning from stories or poems.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize the importance and uses of literature.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes neatly in their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the main lesson points.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

Define literature in your own words.
Mention two stages in the history of literature.
List three functions of literature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally to the questions.
Learning Point: Pupils show understanding of the meaning, history, and functions of literature.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to read literary works regularly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils are motivated to value and practice reading literature.

Home Task: Give three correct examples of Meaning, History, and Functions of Literature and explain what each example shows.

Lesson Keywords

Literature – written or spoken creative expression of human ideas
Oral Tradition – stories, songs, and poems passed by word of mouth
Culture – the way of life, customs, and beliefs of people
Entertainment – enjoyment or amusement provided by literature
Imagination – the ability to form ideas and pictures in the mind

Differentiation

Teacher supports weaker learners with simpler examples of stories and songs, while stronger learners explain and give additional examples from their reading.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Engage pupils actively with stories and poems. Encourage them to share cultural experiences. Use local examples they can easily relate to.