First Term Lesson Note for Week Ten
Class : Primary Five
Subject : Social Studies
Topic : Modern Marriage customs
Duration : 40 Minutes
Period : Single Period
Reference Book :
- Social Studies for Primary Schools, Book 5.
- Lagos State Unified schemes of work for Upper Primary, (Primary 4 – 6).
- Online Resources
Instructional Material : Chart showing the types of modern Marriages and their features.
Learning Objectives : By the end of the lesson learners will be able to :
i. Explain the meaning of modern marriage.
ii. List the types of modern marriages
iii. State the features of modern Marriages.
Previous Knowledge : Learners are familiar with the different types marriages.
Content :
Main features of modern marriage
Modern marriage was brought into Nigeria from outside the country. There are three types of modern marriage, namely :
1. Christian marriage or church marriage.
2. Muslim or Islamic marriages
3. Marriages by the Marriage Act (Court marriage)
Christian marriage :
- Christian marriage is conducted in accordance with the rules of the church.
- The marriage is celebrated in the church.
- A reverend or pastor conducts the marriage.
- The marriage is expected to be guided by the dictates of the Holy Bible.
- The man puts a ring on the fourth finger on the left hand of the woman and the woman does the same to the man.
- Usually, the woman already has an engagement ring on that same finger.
- A man can be married to only one woman at a time.
After the wedding, there is usually a party. Here, among other ceremonies, the couple is advised by their friends and relations, on how to have a successful marital life.
Muslim/ Islamic marriage :
The Muslim marriage starts with the traditional steps we have learnt about in the previous unit.
- An Imam conducts the wedding.
- The man is permitted to marry up to four wives.
- The marriage is conducted in the mosque.
- The man pays a bride price called yigi.
- Guests are entertained with food and drinks to celebrate the marriage
Marriage by the Marriage Act / Court marriage :
Marriage by the Marriage Act was brought into the country by the Europeans.
- The marriage follows the laws of the government office called the Marriage Registry.
- The person who joins the couple is called a Registrar.
- In this kind of marriage, a man may only marry one wife.
- The couple swears to certain statements, and may Exchange rings.
- Parents and friends are usually present at the registry.
Advantages and disadvantages of modern marriage
Advantages of modern marriage
1. It is based on good traditional customs.
2. It is backed up by the religion or law, which the couple strongly holds on to.
3. It makes divorce difficult.
4. It is guided by written laws.
Disadvantages of modern marriage
1. It does not follow our customs and traditions.
2. It tries to limit the influence of parents on the affairs of the couple who, may not be ready to bear the problems of a married life.
Values associated with modern marriage :
The Christian marriage, Islamic marriage and marriage by the Marriage Act are based on love and submission, which must be adhered to strictly by both the husband and wife.
Both husband and wife should fear God, as stipulated in the Christian and Islamic doctrines.
Both of them should learn to forgive each other. This attitude will encourage peace and prolong the relationship.
Presentation Steps :
Step 1 : The teacher revises the previous lesson with the learners by asking them questions orally.
Step 2 : He/ she introduces the new topic by explaining the modern marriages
Step 3 : State the features of each type of modern marriages
Step 4 : State advantages and disadvantages of modern marriages.
Evaluation : Teacher asks questions from pupils based on the topic.
1. List the modern types of marriage
i. _____________________________________
ii. ____________________________________
iii. ___________________________________
2. The modern marriage that allows one to marry more than one wife is _________. (a) Islamic marriage (b) Christian marriage (c) Marriage Acts.
3. Mention two things used in Christian Marriages :
i. _______________________________________
ii. ______________________________________
4. Who officiates the following Marriages?
i. Christian marriage : ___________________
ii. Muslim marriage : ____________________
iii. Marriage Acts : _______________________
5. Which modern marriage allows or give room for divorce? __________________
Conclusion : Teacher goes over the topic for better understanding.
Assignment :
1. Define Traditional and modern marriage