Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature In English
Curriculum Theme: Literature
Previous Lesson: Meaning, History and Functions of Literature
Topic: Types of Literature
Subject Matter: Oral Literature, Written Literature

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the two main types of literature.
(b) Differentiate between oral and written literature.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the role of oral and written literature in preserving culture and knowledge.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Dramatize short oral tales or read aloud short written passages.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to discuss examples of oral and written literature.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Britannica – “Literature” (https://www.britannica.com/art/literature)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing examples of oral and written literature
Storybooks and poems
Audio or video clips of folktales and performances
Flash cards with key terms
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables students to recognize the two main types of literature and appreciate their importance in cultural preservation, communication, and education.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with stories, songs, and proverbs shared at home or in the community and may also have read simple storybooks or poems in previous classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Types of Literature

Literature is broadly divided into two main types. These types help us understand how human ideas, experiences, and culture are preserved and shared.

Oral Literature

Oral literature refers to stories, songs, proverbs, and traditions passed down by word of mouth from one generation to another. It is the earliest form of literature and is used in almost every culture.

The following are examples of oral literature:

Folktales.
Proverbs.
Riddles.
Myths.
Legends.
Songs and chants.
Epic narratives.

Written Literature

Written literature is the type of literature recorded in written form using letters, symbols, or scripts. It preserves knowledge permanently and can be read and studied by many people across time and places.

The following are examples of written literature:

Novels.
Poems.
Plays or dramas.
Short stories.
Essays.
Biographies and autobiographies.
Religious and philosophical texts.

Differences Between Oral and Written Literature

Oral literature and written literature are similar in purpose but differ in their form and mode of preservation.

The following are the differences between oral and written literature:

Oral literature is spoken or sung, while written literature is recorded in writing.
Oral literature depends on memory, while written literature depends on written documents.
Oral literature may change with each retelling, while written literature remains fixed.
Oral literature is often shared in gatherings, while written literature is read privately or in groups.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Dramatization, Group Work, Question and Answer, Use of Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher narrates a short folktale or proverb and asks pupils if they have heard similar stories at home or read stories in books.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and respond with their own experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils become interested in the lesson and connect to prior knowledge.

Step 2: Oral Literature

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling and Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains oral literature with examples such as folktales, riddles, and songs, and may perform a short chant.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, repeat some examples, and dramatize in groups.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what oral literature is and its forms.

Step 3: Written Literature

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reading and Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher reads a short poem or passage from a novel and explains that this is written literature. Teacher lists other examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read after the teacher and identify examples.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize written literature and its forms.

Step 4: Differences Between Oral and Written Literature

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Comparison and Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher draws a table or list of differences between oral and written literature on the board and explains.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils note the differences and provide examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how oral and written literature differ.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes neatly into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils record the key points of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Mention three examples of oral literature.
State three examples of written literature.
Give two differences between oral and written literature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizes the value of oral and written literature, and encourages pupils to appreciate both.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate knowledge of the types of literature.

Home Task: Give three correct examples of Types of Literature and explain what each example shows.

Lesson Keywords

Literature – written or spoken works of imagination and knowledge
Oral – passed by word of mouth
Written – recorded using letters and symbols
Folktale – a traditional story told by word of mouth
Novel – a long written story with characters and events

Differentiation

Teacher supports slower learners with repeated explanations and simpler examples, while faster learners are asked to provide extra examples or lead group dramatizations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage participation through storytelling and reading aloud. Use both oral performance and written texts to balance learning. Manage time well to cover all sections.