Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have a clear Nigerian flag, simple pictures of Nigerian children, and an MP3 player ready to play the National Anthem. The central idea for pupils is to recognise “Nigeria” as their country and “Nigerian” as who they are. Success will be observed when pupils can point to the Nigerian flag and repeat “Nigeria is my country” and “I am Nigerian” with guidance.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 9
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Social Habits
Previous Lesson: Pupils have learned about their family members and their school environment.
Topic: Nigeria
Subject Matter: Nigeria as my country, being Nigerian and the national anthem.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify Nigeria as their country when prompted.
- Recognise the Nigerian flag.
- Repeat the phrase “I am Nigerian.”
Affective Domain
- Show a sense of belonging to Nigeria by smiling or pointing when “Nigeria” is mentioned.
- Participate in standing respectfully when the National Anthem is played.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to the Nigerian flag.
- Make simple gestures (like standing up) during the National Anthem.
Social Domain
- Participate in group activities about Nigeria.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Nigerian Flag
- Charts with pictures of Nigerian children and people
- Posters showing the Nigerian map
- MP3 Player with the Nigerian National Anthem
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 2-year-olds begin to understand their identity and place in the world by introducing them to their country, Nigeria, and the concept of being Nigerian. It fosters a sense of belonging and early patriotism, which are important for social and emotional development.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils know their names, their parents’ names, and can identify their school.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Nigeria as My Country, Being Nigerian and the National Anthem
Nigeria is our country. It is where we live.
We are called Nigerians because we live in Nigeria.
This is our flag:
[Teacher shows the Nigerian flag, pointing to the green and white colours.]
The National Anthem is our special song for Nigeria. We stand up when we hear it.
Key Words
- Nigeria – Our country.
- Nigerian – What we are called.
- Anthem – Our country’s special song.
Our Nigeria Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Nigeria, Nigeria, my sweet home,
In Nigeria, I love to roam.
Green and white, our flag so bright,
Nigeria, Nigeria, my delight!
Actions: Clap hands, point to the flag, hug self, sway gently.
Watch and Listen to Our Anthem
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce “Nigeria is our country” by showing the flag and pictures. Use simple, repetitive sentences. Emphasize “I am Nigerian” through repetition and pointing to self. Keep explanations very short and concrete.
What to show or demonstrate: Clearly display the Nigerian flag. Point to the green and white colours. Show pictures of Nigerian children. Demonstrate standing up straight and respectfully.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing “Our Nigeria Song” several times, encouraging pupils to join in with the actions. Repeat the song throughout the lesson to reinforce the concept of Nigeria.
How to use the video: Play the National Anthem video. Guide pupils to stand up when the anthem starts and listen quietly. Do not expect them to sing along or understand the lyrics; the focus is on recognizing the song and the respectful action of standing.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can point to the flag when asked, and if they attempt to repeat “Nigeria” and “Nigerian.” Look for participation in standing during the anthem.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Repetition
- Question and Answer
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Greeting/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and sings a familiar welcome song to get their attention.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and sing along with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils are settled and ready for the lesson.
Step 2: Introducing Nigeria as Our Country
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher holds up the Nigerian flag and says, “Look! This is our country’s flag. Our country is called Nigeria! Can you say Nigeria?” The teacher points to the flag and repeats “Nigeria” several times, then points to pictures of Nigerian children.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flag and pictures, and attempt to repeat “Nigeria” after the teacher. They may point to the flag.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognise the Nigerian flag and the name “Nigeria.”
Step 3: Understanding “Being Nigerian”
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Concept Building/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains, “We live in Nigeria, so we are Nigerians! I am Nigerian. You are Nigerian!” The teacher points to self, then to pupils, encouraging them to repeat “I am Nigerian.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils point to themselves and attempt to repeat “I am Nigerian” with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that they are called Nigerians because they live in Nigeria.
Step 4: Singing “Our Nigeria Song”
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Song Integration/Movement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces “Our Nigeria Song” and sings it with actions, encouraging pupils to join in. The teacher repeats the song several times.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the song and try to sing along, performing the actions with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce the concept of Nigeria through a fun song and actions.
Step 5: Introducing the National Anthem
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listening/Respect
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher says, “Nigeria has a special song called the National Anthem. When we hear it, we stand up very straight and listen quietly.” The teacher plays the National Anthem from the MP3 player (or video) and models standing respectfully.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the anthem and try to stand up straight like the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to recognise the National Anthem and show respect by standing.
Step 6: Guided Practice and Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points to the Nigerian flag and asks, “What country is this?” (prompting “Nigeria”). The teacher asks, “What are we?” (prompting “Nigerians”). The teacher plays the anthem again and guides pupils to stand. The teacher leads the “Our Nigeria Song” one more time.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils point to the flag, repeat “Nigeria” and “Nigerian,” stand for the anthem, and sing the song with actions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding through repeated practice.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “What is our country called?” (Teacher prompts “Nigeria” if needed).
- “Point to the Nigerian flag.”
- “What are we called because we live in Nigeria?” (Teacher prompts “Nigerians”).
- “Let’s stand up when I play our country’s special song (the anthem).”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarising/Closing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them, “We live in Nigeria, and we are proud Nigerians!” The teacher leads a goodbye song.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the praise and sing the goodbye song.
Learning Point: Pupils leave with a positive feeling about their country.
Lesson Keywords
- Nigeria – Our home country.
- Nigerian – People who live in Nigeria.
- Flag – Our country’s symbol, green and white.
- Anthem – Our country’s special song.
Differentiation
- Support: Provide more one-on-one repetition for pupils who struggle to say the words. Use hand-over-hand guidance to help them point to the flag. Allow them to sit if standing for the anthem is too difficult initially.
- Extension: Encourage pupils who grasp the concepts quickly to repeat the words louder and clearer. Ask them to identify the green and white colours on the flag.
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