Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare a large, clear chart or drawing of the Nigerian flag and have crayons ready. Ensure you have a map of Nigeria to show the pupils and be ready to play the National Anthem and Pledge audio/video. The central idea is for pupils to recognise Nigeria as their country and identify its key national symbols. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can recite parts of the Anthem and Pledge, name the colours of the flag, and mention their state of origin.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 10
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Social Habits
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: OUR COUNTRY
Subject Matter: Nigeria, the national anthem, pledge, flag and states.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify Nigeria as their country.
- Recall and recite parts of the Nigerian National Anthem.
- Recall and recite parts of the Nigerian National Pledge.
- Name the colours of the Nigerian National Flag.
- State what the colours of the Nigerian Flag represent.
- Mention that Nigeria has 36 states.
Affective Domain
- Show respect while the National Anthem and Pledge are recited.
- Appreciate the importance of national symbols.
- Express pride in being Nigerian.
Psychomotor Domain
- Perform simple actions while reciting the National Anthem and Pledge.
- Point to the colours on the Nigerian Flag.
- Participate in a group activity to identify their state of origin.
Social Domain
- Participate actively in group recitation of the Anthem and Pledge.
- Share their state of origin with the class.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
- Relevant early-years social studies workbook.
Instructional Materials
- Chart of the Nigerian National Anthem and Pledge.
- Large poster or drawn picture of the Nigerian National Flag.
- Green and white crayons or paint.
- Map of Nigeria.
- Audio recording of the National Anthem and Pledge.
- Video display (if available).
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 4-year-olds develop a foundational understanding of their national identity. Learning about Nigeria, its anthem, pledge, flag, and states fosters a sense of belonging and patriotism from an early age. It also introduces them to important symbols that they will encounter throughout their lives, promoting respect for their country and its values.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with their immediate environment (home and school) and can identify their family members.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Nigeria, Our Country
Nigeria is our country. It is a beautiful country in Africa. We are all Nigerians!
The National Anthem
The National Anthem is a special song we sing to show love and respect for Nigeria.
Lyrics:
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey,
To serve our Fatherland,
With love and strength and faith,
The labour of our heroes past,
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might,
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
The National Pledge
The National Pledge is a special promise we make to Nigeria.
Lyrics:
I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity,
And uphold her honour and glory,
So help me God.
The Nigerian National Flag
Our flag has two colours: green and white.
- Green: Stands for our rich land, farms, and natural wealth.
- White: Stands for peace and unity in our country.
States in Nigeria
Nigeria has 36 states. Each of us comes from one of these states.
Key Words
- Nigeria – Our country.
- Anthem – A special song for our country.
- Pledge – A special promise we make to our country.
- Flag – A special cloth symbol for our country.
- Green – Colour on our flag for wealth and nature.
- White – Colour on our flag for peace and unity.
- States – Parts that make up our country.
Our Nigeria Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Nigeria, our land so grand,
Best country in all the land.
Green and white, our flag so bright,
Shining with a peaceful light.
Anthem, pledge, we learn and say,
Proud Nigerians every day!
Actions: Point to self, sweep hands wide, point to flag, make waving motion, hands on chest, thumbs up.
Watch and Practise
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce Nigeria as our country using a map. Display the Anthem and Pledge charts and lead pupils in reciting them line by line, repeating for clarity. Show the drawn Nigerian flag, pointing to each colour and explaining its meaning simply. Mention the 36 states and ask pupils to name their state of origin if they know it, or help them remember.
What to show or demonstrate: Point to Nigeria on a map. Show the Nigerian flag (drawn or poster) and clearly indicate the green and white sections. Demonstrate respectful posture during the Anthem and Pledge (standing straight, hands by sides or on chest).
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce “Our Nigeria Song” after discussing the flag. Sing it together, demonstrating the actions. Repeat the song 2-3 times to help pupils learn the lyrics and actions, making it fun and engaging.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a way to see and hear the Anthem and Pledge. Play the video. After watching, encourage pupils to practise reciting along with the video or imitate the actions shown. Discuss what they saw and heard.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are attempting to recite the Anthem and Pledge, even if they only know a few words. Check if they can point to the correct colours on the flag when asked. Encourage all pupils to participate and share, providing support for those who are shy.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Repetition
- Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Greeting
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in a simple “Good Morning” song. The teacher then asks pupils what country they live in.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and sing along. They try to answer the question about their country.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the concept of “country”.
Step 2: Introducing Nigeria and the National Anthem
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Nigeria as “Our Country” using a map. The teacher then displays the National Anthem chart and recites the first stanza, explaining it is a special song for our country. The teacher plays the audio/video of the Anthem and leads pupils in reciting it line by line.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map and listen. They listen to the Anthem and try to repeat lines after the teacher, watching the video.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise Nigeria as their country and begin to learn the National Anthem.
Step 3: Introducing the National Pledge
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that the National Pledge is a promise we make to Nigeria. The teacher displays the National Pledge chart and recites it clearly, demonstrating the appropriate posture (hand on chest). The teacher then leads pupils in reciting the Pledge line by line, repeating as needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and observe the teacher’s posture. They try to repeat the Pledge lines after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the Pledge as a promise and begin to recite it.
Step 4: Exploring the Nigerian Flag
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a large drawing or poster of the Nigerian Flag. The teacher points to the green and white colours, asking pupils to name them. The teacher then explains what each colour stands for (green for wealth/agriculture, white for peace/unity).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the flag, name the colours, and listen to the teacher’s explanation of what each colour represents.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the colours of the Nigerian Flag and know their meanings.
Step 5: Learning about States in Nigeria
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Information Sharing/Interactive Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher tells pupils that Nigeria has 36 states. The teacher asks pupils if they know their state of origin, encouraging them to share if they do, or helping them recall.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the information about states. They try to mention their state of origin.
Learning Point: Pupils learn that Nigeria has 36 states and are encouraged to identify their own state.
Step 6: Reinforcement through Song and Activity
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Activity-based Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing “Our Nigeria Song” with actions. The teacher then asks pupils to colour a small drawing of the Nigerian flag with green and white crayons.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the song with actions. They colour their flag drawings using green and white.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning about Nigeria and its symbols through song and practical activity.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “What is the name of our country?”
- “Can you say one line from our National Anthem?”
- “What are the two colours on the Nigerian Flag?”
- “What does the white colour on our flag stand for?”
- “How many states are there in Nigeria?”
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/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them to always be proud Nigerians. The teacher leads a final singing of “Our Nigeria Song.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher and sing the song one more time.
Learning Point: Pupils feel proud of their country and reinforce their learning.
Lesson Keywords
- Nigeria – Our home country in Africa.
- Anthem – A special song for our country.
- Pledge – A special promise we make to be good citizens.
- Flag – The green and white symbol of our country.
- Green – Colour on the flag for our land and wealth.
- White – Colour on the flag for peace and unity.
- States – The different parts that make up Nigeria.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who struggle to recite, focus on repeating just the first line of the Anthem and Pledge. Use hand-over-hand guidance for colouring the flag. Provide extra visual cues and one-on-one prompts for identifying colours.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concepts, encourage them to say more lines of the Anthem and Pledge. Ask them to draw the flag independently or mention another state they know.
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