Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical Education
Previous Lesson: Nigerians Traditional Dances Continues.
Topic: Nigerian Traditional Dances
Subject Matter: different Nigerian traditional dances by region, examples of dances such as Atilogwu and other regional dances, basic dance steps, costumes for traditional dances, local musical instruments for dance accompaniment

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define Nigerian traditional dance.
Identify different Nigerian traditional dances by region.
Mention local musical instruments used to accompany traditional dances.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the cultural significance of Nigerian traditional dances.
Show interest in learning about and participating in traditional dances.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate basic steps of a Nigerian traditional dance.
Identify costumes associated with specific traditional dances.

Participate cooperatively in group dance practice activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Adedoja, S. O. (2018). Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1. University Press Plc.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures of various Nigerian traditional dances and costumes
CD-ROMs with traditional dance performances
Sample dance costumes or accessories
Radio cassette player
Examples of local musical instruments (e.g., small drum, gong)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria through its diverse traditional dances. Learning about these dances enables pupils to connect with their identity and promotes physical activity, coordination, and teamwork.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of physical activity and an awareness of cultural diversity in Nigeria.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Nigerian Traditional Dances

Definition of Traditional Dance

Traditional dance refers to cultural dances that are passed down through generations within a community or ethnic group. These dances often reflect the history, beliefs, occupations, and social life of the people.

Different Nigerian Traditional Dances by Region

Nigerian traditional dances vary widely across different ethnic groups and regions. Some examples include:

South-East (Igbo): Atilogwu, Nkwa Umuagbogho, Oji Onu
South-West (Yoruba): Bata, Gelede, Eyo, Sango Dance
North (Hausa/Fulani): Koroso, Sharo, Kwaghir (Tiv)
South-South (Efik/Ibibio/Ijaw): Ekombi, Pulo, Owigiri
Middle Belt (Igala/Nupe/Idoma): Ogene, Egba

Basic Dance Steps

Basic dance steps in Nigerian traditional dances involve rhythmic body movements, specific footwork patterns, hand gestures, and facial expressions. These movements are often synchronized with the accompanying music and can range from simple to complex.

Costumes for Traditional Dances

Traditional dance costumes are an important part of the performance and often symbolize the culture and purpose of the dance. Common elements of costumes include:

Colourful wrappers and fabrics
Beads, cowries, and shells
Raffia and grass skirts
Feathers and animal skins
Headgears and body paint
Ornate masks

Local Musical Instruments for Dance Accompaniment

Traditional dances are typically accompanied by a variety of local musical instruments that provide rhythm, melody, and mood. The following are common instruments:

Percussion Instruments: Drums (e.g., talking drum, bata, udu), gongs (ogene), rattles (sekere), wood blocks.
Wind Instruments: Flutes (oja), trumpets.
String Instruments: Kora, goje.

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 greets the pupils and asks them if they have ever watched or participated in any traditional dance. The teacher then introduces the topic, “Nigerian Traditional Dances.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition of Traditional Dance

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what traditional dance means, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of traditional dance.

Step 3: Different Nigerian Traditional Dances by Region

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Categorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses various Nigerian traditional dances, grouping them by region (e.g., Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Efik). The teacher provides examples like Atilogwu, Bata, Koroso, and Ekombi, showing pictures or short video clips if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures/videos, listen, identify dances from their regions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and differentiate traditional dances from various Nigerian regions.

Step 4: Basic Dance Steps

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that traditional dances involve specific steps and movements. The teacher demonstrates a few simple, general basic dance steps (e.g., rhythmic swaying, simple footwork) that are common to many traditional dances, encouraging pupils to imitate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and attempt to practice the basic steps.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that traditional dances have specific steps and can attempt basic movements.

Step 5: Costumes for Traditional Dances

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures of different traditional dance costumes or shows sample costume elements. The teacher explains the significance of various costume components (e.g., beads, raffia, masks).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the costumes, identify different elements, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and understand the role of costumes in traditional dances.

Step 6: Local Musical Instruments for Dance Accompaniment

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses local musical instruments used to accompany traditional dances, mentioning examples like drums, gongs, and flutes. The teacher may play short audio clips or show pictures of these instruments.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify the instruments, and learn their roles in dance.
Learning Point: Pupils can mention and identify common local musical instruments used in traditional dances.

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 Nigerian traditional dance.
List three examples of Nigerian traditional dances and mention their regions.
Mention two common elements of traditional dance costumes.
Name two local musical instruments used to accompany traditional dances.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of Nigerian traditional dances in cultural preservation. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to research a traditional dance from their local community.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to further explore the topic.

Lesson Keywords

Traditional Dance – Cultural dances passed down through generations, reflecting a people’s history and way of life.
Atilogwu – A vibrant, acrobatic traditional dance of the Igbo people, South-East Nigeria.
Bata – A traditional dance of the Yoruba people, often associated with the god Sango.
Koroso – A popular traditional dance among the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria.
Costumes – Special attire worn by dancers, often symbolic and culturally significant.
Percussion – Musical instruments played by striking, shaking, or scraping, like drums and gongs.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be encouraged to research specific dance steps or the history of a particular dance. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, one-on-one guidance during dance step practice, and visual aids.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure a safe space for pupils to practice dance steps. Encourage cultural sensitivity and respect for the diverse traditional dances. Where possible, invite a local cultural dancer to demonstrate authentic steps and costumes.