Children’s Novel Chike and the River” by Chinua Achebe

Subject: 

English Language

Class :

Primary 5 / Basic 5

Term:

Second Term

Week:

Week 10

Topic :

Speech Work : Children’s Novel 

Learning Objectives :

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

1. Read the text audible and pronounce the new words correctly
2. Construct sentences with the identified new words orally
3. Discuss orally the meaning and lesson they can derive from the text
4. Answer questions that follow the passage

Learning Activities

1. Pupils, as a class, read the selected text in turns and pay attention to their audibility and pronunciation.
2. Pupils as groups, form and sentences orally with the identified new words.
3. Pupils, in pairs, discuss the meaning and Lessons derived from the text in the class.
4. Pupils, in small groups, answer the questions that follow the poem

Embedded Core Skills

1. Communication and Collaboration
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Leadership skills and Personal Development
4. Creativity and Imagination

Learning Materials

• Charts
• Flash cards
• Textbook
• Copies of the novel “Chike and the River”
• Handouts with discussion questions
• Chart paper and markers
• Web Resources
• Workbook on modal auxiliaries and examples of requests
• Whiteboard and markers for examples and practice exercises
• Chart paper and markers for creating visual aids
• Scripts or passages for students to practice intonation patterns on
• Audio recordings of different intonation patterns for students to listen to and analyze

Content

Children’s Novel Chike and the River” by Chinua Achebe

“Chike and the River” is a coming-of-age novel by Chinua Achebe that tells the story of a young boy, Chike, growing up in the city of Onitsha, Nigeria. The novel follows Chike’s journey as he faces the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world and as he struggles to find his place in it. The book explores themes of identity, culture, and the struggle for survival. Chike’s life takes a turn when he is offered a scholarship to study in Lagos. He takes the opportunity and the novel shows the contrast of his life in Onitsha with the new experience in Lagos. Chike’s journey to Lagos is filled with adventure and danger, and ultimately leads him to a better life. The novel is considered a classic of African literature, widely read and studied in Nigeria and around the world.

Moral Lesson

“Chike and the River” by Chinua Achebe is a novel that imparts several moral lessons to its readers. Some of the main lessons that can be drawn from the book include:

1. The importance of education: The novel highlights the transformative power of education and how it can change a person’s life for the better. Chike’s scholarship to study in Lagos is a turning point in his life and it is through education that he is able to improve his circumstances.
2. The value of hard work and determination: Chike’s journey to Lagos is not an easy one, but through hard work and determination, he is able to overcome the obstacles in his path. The novel teaches that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve their goals and overcome adversity.
3. The importance of family and community: Throughout the novel, Chike is supported by his family and community, and it is their love and guidance that helps him navigate the challenges he faces. The novel illustrates the importance of community and family in providing a sense of belonging and support.
4. The dangers of greed: The novel also shows how greed can lead to negative consequences, as seen through the actions of some of the characters.
5. The need to be true to oneself: The novel shows how it’s important for one to be true to oneself, and not to change oneself to please others

Evaluation

1. What is the main moral lesson that Chike learns through his scholarship to study in Lagos? a) The importance of education b) The value of hard work c) The importance of family and community d) The dangers of greed
2. How does Chike’s determination and hard work help him overcome the obstacles in his path? a) It allows him to achieve his goals b) It helps him to find a sense of belonging c) It helps him to overcome his fear of failure d) All of the above
3. How does the novel illustrate the importance of community and family? a) Through the support and guidance that Chike receives from his family and community b) Through the actions of the characters in the novel c) Both A and B d) None of the above
4. What negative consequences are shown in the novel as a result of greed? a) The loss of relationships and trust b) Financial ruin c) Both A and B d) None of the above
5. How does Chike’s journey to Lagos change his life? a) It improves his circumstances b) It helps him to find a sense of purpose c) Both A and B d) None of the above
6. What is the main theme of the novel? a) The importance of education b) The struggle for survival c) The transformation of a young boy d) The value of hard work
7. What is the main character’s name in “Chike and the River”? a) Chike b) Chinua c) Achebe d) Onitsha
8. What is the main setting of the novel? a) Onitsha b) Lagos c) Both A and B d) None of the above
9. How does the novel illustrate the dangers of greed? a) Through the actions of some of the characters b) Through the story of Chike’s journey c) Both A and B d) None of the above
10. What is the main moral lesson that the novel imparts to its readers? a) The importance of education b) The value of hard work and determination c) The importance of family and community d) All of the above

Lesson Presentation

Introduction:

• Begin by introducing the novel “Chike and the River” by Chinua Achebe and provide a brief summary of the story.
• Discuss the importance of understanding the moral lessons present in literature.

Direct Instruction:

• Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a copy of the novel and a set of discussion questions.
• Allow students to read and discuss the novel in their groups, focusing on the moral lessons present in the story.
• After discussion, have each group present their findings to the class.

Guided Practice:

• Using chart paper and markers, create a class chart listing the moral lessons present in the novel.
• Have students provide examples from the text to support each lesson listed.
• As a class, discuss the relevance of these lessons in real life and how they can be applied to students’ own lives.

Independent Practice:

• Have students select one of the moral lessons from the novel and write a short essay discussing how it relates to their own life and experiences.
• Encourage students to share their essays with the class and discuss how the lessons from the novel can be applied to their own lives.

Closure:

• Review the main moral lessons present in the novel and discuss the importance of understanding these lessons in order to make better decisions and lead a more fulfilling life.
• Encourage students to continue to seek out and analyze the moral lessons present in literature.

Assessment:

• Observe student participation during group discussions and class presentations.
• Assess student essays on the relevance of the moral lessons in their own lives.