First Term Lesson Note for Week Eleven
Class : Primary Six
Subject : Civic Education
Topic : National Symbols
Duration : 40 Minutes
Period : Single Period
Reference Book :
- Civic Education for Nigerian Primary Schools, Book 6.
- Lagos State Unified schemes of work for Upper Primary, (Primary 4 – 6).
- Online Resources
Instructional Material : Chart showing the meaning of national symbols and examples.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
i. Describe the national symbols
ii. Identify and state the importance of national symbols.
ii. Suggest ways one can do to arrange a good census in the country.
Building Background/connection to prior knowledge: pupils are familiar with the topic in their previous classes.
Content :
MEANING OF NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Nigeria’s national symbols are the items or things used to identify or recognize that a person or thing belongs to a particular country or nation.
National Symbols are the symbols of authority in which a country or a nation is known for.
Examples of national symbols are National Flag, the Coat of Arms, the Mace, the National Anthem, the Pledge and the Currency.
Recitation of the National Anthem and Pledge :
National Anthem Arise, o compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith The labor of our heroes past Shall never be in vain;
To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom Peace and unity.
O God of creation, Direct our noble cause
Guide thou 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.
The National Pledge
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 honor and glory So help me God.
Description of the Nigerian National Flag:
The National flag is made of two Colours which are green and white. The green colour symbolizes agriculture, and white which stands for unity and peace. The white is immaculate white, while the emerald green is popularly known as the Nigerian Green.
Description of the Nigerian Coat of Arms:
The black shield represents the good earth of Nigeria.
The silver wavy bands represent the rivers Niger and Benue.
The white horses (the two supporters) represent dignity.
The eagle represents strength.
The wreath is in the colours of the Nigerian flag.
The ground on which the bearings stand is Coctus Spectablis, which is a common wild flower found throughout Nigeria.
Values of nationalism and patriotism
We mentioned earlier in this book, the importance of respect, selflessness, caring for others, tolerance and cooperation. We need to look at a key value which a nationalist must have. This value is courage.
Courage is the ability to be brave, even when one is in danger or in a difficult situation. A true nationalist should be brave. He should be honest even when some people are not honest. He should encourage all those around him to be cooperative and work in unity to serve the nation.
Courage and the other values which we have already discussed are important for national progress and development.
When a country develops them in her citizens, they will be able to live together in unity and harmony.
In class, we must develop these values for the good of our class and later for the good of our community and the nation as a whole.
Differences between National symbols and other symbols
The major difference between national symbols and other symbols is that :
National symbols like––the flag, the coat of arms, the pledge, etc, are for the entire nation while others symbols are for specific groups like schools, clubs and companies.
Look at your school badge and compare it with the coat of arms. Identify the differences you find.
Presentation Steps :
Step 1 : Revision of the previous lesson with the learners by asking them questions orally.
Step 2 : Introduces the new topic by asking the learners to define National Symbols.
Step 3 : The teacher then defines National Symbols and describe it with examples.
Step 4 : State the importance of national symbols.
Step 5 : Differentiate between national symbols and other symbols.
Evaluation:
1. What is National symbol?
2. Give four examples of national symbols and briefly describe each.
3. _______________ is a symbol of authority of a nation or country.
4. What is the colour of the Nigerian flag?
5. On the coat of arm, give the meaning of the following :
i. Horses : represent _____________________
ii. Eagle : stands for ______________________
iii. Black shield represents _______________
iv. _____________ represent river Niger and river Benue.
v. ______________ represents the Colours in the Nigerian flag.
Conclusions :
Teacher goes over the topic once again to enhance better understanding
Assignments :
1. What is nationalism?
2. Mention three early patriots in Nigeria.
3. List three problems of ethnic, state and group loyalty and discuss them.
4. Name at least three national symbols and describe them and state their importance.