First Term Lesson Note for Week Nine
Class : Primary Five
Subject : Social Studies
Topic : Traditional Marriages
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 basic terms used in traditional marriage.
Learning Objectives : By the end of the lesson learners will be able to :
i. Explain Traditional Marriages
ii. Describe Modern marriage
iii. Identify features of traditional marriage
Previous Knowledge : Learners are familiar with the meaning of marriage.
Content :
Meaning of Traditional Marriage :
Traditional marriage is the type of marriage that takes place between two families. It is a union of a son and a daughter of two families exchanging pleasantries and paying of dowry and bride price with gift items such as kolanuts, bitter-kola, honey, palm oil, box of clothing’s, etc. Friends and well-wishers are also present with refreshment and entertainment of guest.
Main features of traditional marriage
Traditional marriage is conducted in accordance with the traditions and customs of the people. These traditions have been with the people for a long time, even before other people’s ideas were introduced.
Here are some of the features of traditional marriage:
Traditional marriage is mainly between the families of the man and the woman.
There is always a betrothal ceremony.
Traditional marriages are not held without the payment of a bride price.
It usually involves traditional rites and prayers.
In many Nigerian cultures, the woman is taken to her husband’s house the same day the marriage ceremony is held.
In some cultures, the woman goes, in a ceremony, with her own parents to her husband’s house. For example, the Edo and Urhobo ethnic groups perform this ceremony.
In traditional marriage, a man can marry as many wives as he wants.
The marriage takes place in the family home of the wife-to-be.
Advantages and disadvantages of traditional marriage
Advantages of traditional marriage
It allows a man to marry many wives, who could help him on his farm or in his business.
A man is able to have as many children as possible from this type of marriage.
These children help on the farm and in the family business.
They also provide support when their parents are old.
A large extended family, made up of the families of a man’s wives, is produced from this type of marriage.
This large family is usually helpful to the man in bad times.
Disadvantages of traditional marriage
Since his wives and children are many, the man may not be able to take care of them adequately.
There may be frequent quarrels among the wives and children.
Most times, the man does not give equal love and care to his wives and Children thereby causing envy and jealousy.
Presentation Steps :
Step 1 : Revises the previous lesson with the learners by asking questions orally.
Step 2 : Introduces the new topic by describing traditional marriage.
Step 3 : Identify and list the features of traditional marriage.
Evaluation :
1. What is traditional marriage?
2. Mention four features of traditional marriage.
3. State two advantages of traditional marriage.
4. List five items used in traditional marriage.
Conclusion : At the end of the lesson, learners were able to answer the questions correctly.