- Class: Primary 3
- Term: 3rd Term
- Week: 3
- Age: 8 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: National Value Education
- Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
- Previous Lesson: Elements of National Identity
- Topic: The National Anthem as a National Identity
- Content: Meaning of National Anthem
Performance Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive domain: Explain what a National Anthem is and its significance in promoting national identity.
- Affective domain: Show respect and pride when singing or listening to the National Anthem.
- Psychomotor domain: Demonstrate proper posture and decorum during the anthem.
- Social domain: Discuss with peers why the National Anthem is an important symbol of unity.
Reference Materials:
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from National symbol – Wikipedia.
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials:
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Audio recording of the National Anthem
- Lyrics of the National Anthem displayed on poster
- Images of national symbols
- Whiteboard and markers
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding the meaning and significance of the National Anthem helps foster a sense of national pride and identity among young citizens. It also educates them on the importance of respect and unity as shared values within our community.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils are expected to have a basic understanding of national symbols from the previous lesson on Elements of National Identity.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
Learning Area: The National Anthem as a National Identity
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupil’s Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Discussion | Set Induction | Introduce the topic and ask pupils to recall any national symbols they know. | Respond to questions and engage in discussion. | Engage pupils and connect to prior knowledge. |
| Step 2: Explanation of the National Anthem | 10 mins | Lecture & Discussion | Interactive Learning | Explain the meaning of the National Anthem and its importance. | Listen and ask questions. | Understand the significance of the National Anthem. |
| Step 3: Lyrics Analysis | 10 mins | Group Work | Collaborative Learning | Divide pupils into groups to discuss the meaning of each stanza of the anthem. | Discuss in groups and present findings. | Deepen understanding of the lyrics and its messages. |
| Step 4: Role Playing | 5 mins | Practical | Role Play | Guide pupils to demonstrate the proper way to stand and behave during the anthem. | Practice proper decorum. | Learn the respectful behavior during the anthem. |
| Step 5: Recap and Summary | 5 mins | Question and Answer | Recapitulation | Summarize the key points and answer any remaining questions. | Participate in the summary discussion. | Reinforce the day’s learning outcomes. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 3 mins | Writing | Dictation | Dictate notes for pupils to write in their notebooks. | Write down the notes as dictated. | Ensure pupils have a written record of the learning. |
| Step 7: Conclusion and Homework Assignment | 2 mins | Directive | Conclusion | Assign homework to write a paragraph on the importance of the National Anthem. | Listen and understand the assignment. | Extend learning beyond the classroom. |
Classroom Note:
The National Anthem as a National Identity
What is a National Anthem?
A national anthem is an official song that is sung where people from a country, like Nigeria, gather for any reason. It serves as a symbol to honor and show respect to the country.
The National Anthem and National Identity
The national anthem is a key part of our national identity. It brings us together, reminding us of our shared values and the pride we have in our nation. Whenever we sing the national anthem, we celebrate our history, our land, and our people. It’s a moment when we feel connected to each other as citizens of the same nation.
Olusegun Kehinde @Youtube
The Nigerian National Anthem and Meaning (Line by line)
The Nigerian National Anthem, titled “Arise, O Compatriots,” was composed by Benedict E. Odiase and adopted in 1978. It replaced the previous anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee. The Nigerian National Anthem consists of two stanzas:
1st Stanza:
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.
Line-by-Line Explanation:
- Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey: This line is a call to action for all Nigerian citizens to heed the call of their country.
- To serve our fatherland: It emphasizes the duty of every Nigerian to serve and uphold the interests of the nation.
- With love and strength and faith: This line calls for service to be rendered with patriotism (love), resilience (strength), and trust (faith) in the nation.
- The labour of our heroes past: It references the sacrifices made by those who fought for Nigeria’s independence and sovereignty.
- Shall never be in vain: This assures that the sacrifices of these heroes will always be honored and not forgotten.
- To serve with heart and might: Calls for wholehearted and robust participation in nation-building.
- One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity: This is the ultimate goal, aiming for a united nation thriving in freedom, peace, and unity.
2nd Stanza:
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
Line-by-Line Explanation:
- Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause: This line is a prayer asking for divine guidance in the nation’s endeavors.
- Guide our leaders right: A plea for the righteous and wise guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.
- Help our youth the truth to know: Encourages enlightenment and education for the younger generation.
- In love and honesty to grow: This promotes growth through love and integrity.
- And living just and true: Advocates for a life of justice and honesty among citizens.
- Great lofty heights attain: Aspires to achieve greatness and high standards in all areas of national life.
- To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign: The final line underscores the goal of building a nation characterized by peace and fairness.
This anthem, was intended to foster a sense of unity and national pride among Nigerians, encouraging them to contribute positively towards the development of the country.
Lesson Evaluation:
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define what a National Anthem is.
- Explain why the National Anthem is an important symbol of national identity.
- Demonstrate the appropriate behavior when the National Anthem is played.
- Discuss in a few sentences how the National Anthem makes them feel about their country.
Note for teachers using my lesson plan:
Hi there, remember that I didn’t make this lesson plan with any particular class or teacher in mind and I tried as much as possible with my experience and expertise to deliver this plan in a standard and effective style utilizing the best strategy and methods. Nevertheless, you are free to customize the lesson content, teaching methods, timing and pupil activities to suit your teaching style, pupils’ comprehension, curriculum, and resources available to you. Happy teaching!
