Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have a clear chart or poster of the Nigerian National Anthem (first stanza), an audio recording, and a video ready. The central idea is for pupils to recognise the anthem, understand it represents Nigeria, and practice standing respectfully while attempting to sing or recite the first stanza. Observe pupils standing tall and trying to repeat the words as a sign of successful learning.
Class: Pre-School Level 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 6
Age: 3 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Social Habits
Curriculum Theme: Social Habits
Previous Lesson: Recognition of The Nigerian National Flag and Meaning for Pre-School Level 2
Topic: THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM: RECOGNITION AND RECITATION
Subject Matter: THE NATIONAL ANTHEM Recognizing and Reciting the National Anthem. Weekly focus: The Nigerian National Anthem: Recognition and Recitation.
Nigeria’s current national anthem is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (restored in 2024).
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Recognise the Nigerian National Anthem when they hear it.
- Recite the first stanza of the Nigerian National Anthem.
Affective Domain
- Show respect by standing still when the National Anthem is played.
- Feel a sense of pride as a Nigerian when singing the anthem.
Psychomotor Domain
- Stand up straight and place their hands on their chest when the anthem is played.
- Participate in singing the anthem with appropriate actions.
Social Domain
- Participate respectfully in group recitation of the National Anthem.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 2
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Chart or poster of the Nigerian National Anthem (First Stanza)
- Audio recording of the Nigerian National Anthem
- Video of the Nigerian National Anthem
- Nigerian Flag (small classroom flag)
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning the Nigerian National Anthem at this age helps children develop a sense of national identity and belonging. It introduces them to an important symbol of their country and teaches them respectful behaviour in a group setting, fostering early civic values.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can listen to and follow simple instructions. They may have heard songs before and have a basic understanding of Nigeria as their country.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
The Nigerian National Anthem: Recognition and Recitation
The National Anthem is a special song for our country, Nigeria. It makes us remember that we are Nigerians and we love our country. When we hear our National Anthem, we stand up straight and put our hands on our chest to show respect.
The Nigerian National Anthem (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.
Key Words
- Anthem – A special song for our country.
- Nigeria – Our country.
- Recite – To say words from memory.
- Stand – To be upright on your feet.
Anthem Time Chant
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lyrics:
Anthem time, anthem time,
Stand up tall, it’s a good sign.
Hands on chest, so still we stay,
For Nigeria, hip hooray!
Anthem time, anthem time,
Proud Nigerians, shine, shine, shine!
Actions: Stand up tall, place hands on chest, point to self, clap hands gently.
Watch and Practise
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce the National Anthem as Nigeria’s special song. Show the Nigerian flag and explain that the anthem is like a song for the flag and our country. Read the first stanza of the anthem slowly, line by line, pointing to the words on the chart.
What to show or demonstrate: Display the chart of the National Anthem. Show the Nigerian flag. Model how to stand respectfully with hands on the chest. Demonstrate the actions for the “Anthem Time Chant.”
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Anthem Time Chant” after explaining what the anthem is. Sing it several times, encouraging pupils to join in with the actions. Use it as a transition or a short brain break to reinforce the idea of standing for the anthem.
How to use the video: Play the provided YouTube video of the Nigerian National Anthem. Encourage pupils to watch and listen carefully. After watching, guide them to sing along or repeat the words they remember, focusing on the first stanza. Remind them to stand during the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are attempting to stand still and place their hands on their chest. Listen for their attempts to repeat words or phrases from the anthem. Correct gently by re-modelling the actions and pronunciation.
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: Engagement/Recap
Teacher’s Activity: Greet pupils warmly. Ask them if they know any special songs. Introduce the topic by showing the Nigerian flag and asking what it is. Explain that Nigeria has a very special song called the National Anthem.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and questions. They identify the Nigerian flag and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of the Nigerian National Anthem and its importance.
Step 2: Presentation of the National Anthem
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aid
Teacher’s Activity: Show the chart of the National Anthem (First Stanza). Play the audio recording of the anthem. Explain that when we hear this song, we stand up to show respect for Nigeria. Demonstrate how to stand still with hands on the chest.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the anthem. They observe the teacher demonstrating how to stand respectfully.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise the sound of the National Anthem and understand the respectful posture.
Step 3: Guided Recitation and Actions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: Play the video of the National Anthem. Encourage pupils to stand up with you and try to follow the actions shown in the video or model your own. Sing the first stanza slowly, line by line, asking pupils to repeat after you.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils stand up and try to imitate the teacher’s actions. They repeat lines of the anthem after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils practice standing and repeating parts of the anthem.
Step 4: Reinforcement with “Anthem Time Chant”
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Song/Movement
Teacher’s Activity: Lead the pupils in singing the “Anthem Time Chant” with actions. Repeat the chant several times to reinforce the idea of standing respectfully for the anthem.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the chant and perform the actions, reinforcing the lesson’s key behaviour.
Learning Point: Pupils internalise the respectful behaviour associated with the anthem through a fun chant.
Step 5: Group Practice of Recitation
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Practice/Correction
Teacher’s Activity: Play the audio of the anthem again. Encourage all pupils to stand and try to sing or recite the first stanza together. Provide gentle correction and encouragement, focusing on participation rather than perfection.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils stand and attempt to sing or recite the first stanza of the anthem as a group.
Learning Point: Pupils gain confidence in reciting the anthem in a group setting.
Step 6: Discussion and Application
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Ask pupils why it is important to stand for the National Anthem. Briefly remind them that it shows we love our country, Nigeria. Ask them where else they might hear the anthem (e.g., at school assembly, on TV).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their thoughts and listen to the teacher’s explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the reason behind the respectful behaviour and where they might encounter the anthem.
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 special song for our country called?”
- “Show me how you stand when you hear the National Anthem.”
- “Can you say one line from our National Anthem?”
- Play a short clip of the anthem and ask, “What song is this?”
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: Encouragement/Wrap-up
Teacher’s Activity: Praise pupils for their effort in learning the National Anthem and for showing respect. Remind them to always stand when they hear it. Sing the “Anthem Time Chant” one last time.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and participate in the final chant.
Learning Point: Pupils feel proud and encouraged to continue practicing the anthem.
Lesson Keywords
- Anthem – A special song for our country.
- Nigeria – Our country.
- Recite – To say words from memory.
- Respect – To show honour or care for something or someone.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, provide more one-on-one repetition of phrases. Use hand-over-hand guidance to help them place their hands on their chest. Encourage them to just hum along if reciting is too difficult.
- Extension: Encourage pupils who quickly grasp the anthem to sing a bit louder or lead the class in a line. Ask them to identify the Nigerian flag and its colours, connecting it to the anthem.
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