Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have a Nigerian flag (real or a clear picture), charts showing the flag, and the lyrics for the National Anthem and Pledge. The central idea for pupils is to recognise the Nigerian flag and understand that the Anthem and Pledge are special ways we honour our country. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can point to the Nigerian flag and attempt to recite parts of the Anthem and Pledge.
Class: Pre-School Level 2
Term: Third Term
Week: 10
Age: 3 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Social Habits
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: Our Country Nigeria: Flag, Anthem, Pledge and States
Subject Matter: Our Country Nigeria: Flag, Anthem, Pledge and States
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the Nigerian flag.
- State the colours of the Nigerian flag.
- Name Nigeria as their country.
Affective Domain
- Show respect when the National Anthem is played or recited.
- Participate in reciting the National Anthem and Pledge.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to the Nigerian flag when shown.
- Perform simple actions for the National Anthem and Pledge (e.g., standing at attention).
Social Domain
- Discuss what the colours of the flag represent in simple terms.
- Mention their state of origin (if known and prompted).
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 2.
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
Instructional Materials
- Nigerian flag (real or large picture).
- Charts showing the Nigerian flag and its colours.
- Posters with the National Anthem and Pledge lyrics (simplified).
- Audio recording of the National Anthem.
- Video clip showing the Nigerian flag and people reciting the Anthem/Pledge.
- Crayons and drawing paper.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 3-year-olds begin to understand their national identity by recognising symbols of Nigeria. Learning about the flag, anthem, and pledge fosters a sense of belonging and respect for their country from an early age, connecting them to their community and national values.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify their school and community. They can follow simple instructions and participate in group activities like singing.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Our Country Nigeria: Flag, Anthem, Pledge and States
Our Country, Nigeria
Nigeria is our country. It is a very big country with many people and places. We are Nigerians!The Nigerian National Flag
The Nigerian National Flag has three stripes:- Green – White – Green
The Green colour stands for our rich land and agriculture.
The White colour stands for peace and unity.
We must respect our flag.
The Nigerian National Anthem
Nigeria’s current national anthem is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (restored in 2024). The National Anthem is a special song we sing to honour our country. When we sing the Anthem, we stand still and pay attention.Lyrics (First Stanza):
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
The Nigerian National Pledge
The National Pledge is a special promise we make to be good citizens of Nigeria. When we say the Pledge, we stand at attention and place our right hand on our chest.Lyrics (First few lines):
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.
States in Nigeria
Nigeria has 36 states. Each state is a part of our big country. We all come from one of these states. (e.g., “I am from Lagos State,” “I am from Kano State”).Key Words
- Nigeria – Our country.
- Flag – A special cloth symbol of our country (Green, White, Green).
- Green – Colour on the flag, means land/farming.
- White – Colour on the flag, means peace.
- Anthem – Special song for our country.
- Pledge – Special promise for our country.
- States – Parts of our country (36 states).
Our Nigeria Rhyme
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lyrics:
Nigeria, our dear home,
Green and white, the flag we own.
Green for land, and white for peace,
Our love for you will never cease.
Anthem we sing, Pledge we say,
Happy Nigerians every day!
Actions: Point to the flag, show green/white with hands, hug self, stand at attention for anthem/pledge lines, clap hands for happy Nigerians.
Watch and Learn About Our Country
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce Nigeria as “our country.” Show the Nigerian flag and clearly point to and name the green and white colours. Explain what each colour means using simple words and gestures (e.g., “Green for our farms and trees,” “White for peace, no fighting”). Recite the first stanza of the Anthem and the first few lines of the Pledge slowly and clearly, demonstrating the appropriate posture for each. Ask pupils to mention their state of origin if they know it, or help them if their parents have shared it.
What to show or demonstrate: Display a large Nigerian flag. Draw the flag on the board and colour it with green and white crayons. Demonstrate standing at attention for the Anthem and Pledge, and placing the hand on the chest for the Pledge.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Our Nigeria Rhyme” after discussing the flag and national symbols. Sing it slowly with actions, repeating it several times. Encourage pupils to join in with the words and actions.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as “a short film about our country, Nigeria.” Play the video. After watching, ask pupils what they saw and heard, especially focusing on the flag and the Anthem. Encourage them to try and sing along or stand with the people in the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly identify the flag and its colours. Look for their participation in reciting the Anthem and Pledge, even if they only say a few words. Correctly guide their posture and hand placement.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Repetition
- Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them, “What is the name of our country?” The teacher then introduces the topic: “Today, we will learn about our country, Nigeria, and its special symbols.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greeting and try to say “Nigeria.” They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and recall the name of their country.
Step 2: Introducing the Nigerian Flag
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a Nigerian flag (real or picture) and says, “This is our country’s flag, the Nigerian flag!” The teacher points to the colours and names them: “Green, White, Green.” The teacher explains what each colour means in simple terms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flag, point to the colours, and repeat “Green” and “White.” They listen to the explanation of the colours.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the Nigerian flag and its colours.
Step 3: Reciting the National Anthem
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that the National Anthem is a special song for our country. The teacher demonstrates standing at attention and then slowly recites the first stanza of the National Anthem, encouraging pupils to listen and join in.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils stand at attention and try to recite parts of the National Anthem with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to show respect for the Anthem and begin to recite it.
Step 4: Reciting the National Pledge
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that the National Pledge is a promise to our country. The teacher demonstrates standing at attention and placing the right hand on the chest, then slowly recites the first few lines of the National Pledge, inviting pupils to follow.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils stand at attention, place their hand on their chest, and try to recite parts of the National Pledge with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the posture for the Pledge and begin to recite it.
Step 5: Discussing States in Nigeria
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Information
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher tells pupils that Nigeria has 36 states. The teacher asks pupils if they know their state of origin and helps them mention it if they do.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and may mention their state of origin if prompted and known.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that Nigeria has many states and they belong to one.
Step 6: Rhyme and Video Reinforcement
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Our Nigeria Rhyme” with actions. The teacher then plays the short video about the Nigerian flag and anthem, encouraging pupils to watch and participate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and watch the video, trying to follow along with the actions or singing.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning through song and visual aids.
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 the name of our country?”
- “Show me the Nigerian flag.” (Teacher holds up several flags, including Nigeria’s).
- “What colour is this on our flag?” (Teacher points to green/white).
- “Let’s try to say ‘I pledge to Nigeria my country.'”
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: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them that Nigeria is their country, and they should be proud of its flag, anthem, and pledge. The teacher leads a final recitation of a short part of the Anthem or Pledge.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the praise and participate in the final recitation.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and feel a sense of pride.
Lesson Keywords
- Nigeria – Our home country.
- Flag – The green and white symbol of Nigeria.
- Green – Colour on the flag for land.
- White – Colour on the flag for peace.
- Anthem – Special song for Nigeria.
- Pledge – Special promise for Nigeria.
- States – Parts of Nigeria.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, use larger flag pictures and focus only on identifying the green and white colours. Provide hand-over-hand guidance for the Pledge posture. Repeat the rhyme and Anthem/Pledge lines more slowly and frequently.
- Extension: Encourage advanced pupils to draw and colour the Nigerian flag. Ask them to name one other colour they know. Challenge them to recite a longer portion of the Anthem or Pledge.
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