Causes of Common Crimes – Primary 3 Lesson Plan

Causes of Common Crimes – Primary 3 Security Education Lesson Plan

Subject: Security Education

Class: Basic 3 (Primary 3)

Term: Second Term

Week: 6

Age: 8 – 9 years

Topic: Causes of Common Crimes

Sub-topic: Understanding Crimes, Causes, Effects, and Prevention

Duration: 40 Minutes


Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Identify common crimes.
  2. State the causes of common crimes.
  3. Mention the effects of common crimes.
  4. Explain how to relate with security agents, school, and neighborhood authorities in crime prevention.
  5. Avoid criminal behaviors.

Keywords

  • Crime – A wrongful act punishable by law.
  • Punishment – The consequence of doing something illegal.
  • Peer Pressure – When friends influence someone to do something, good or bad.
  • Fraud – Using tricks to cheat others.
  • Robbery – Taking things from people forcefully.
  • Security Agents – People who help keep us safe, like police officers.

Set Induction (Introduction)

The teacher will:

  1. Ask pupils if they have ever heard about crimes on TV or in movies.
  2. Discuss their understanding of what a crime is.
  3. Show images of different security agencies and discuss their roles.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have seen criminals in movies or on the news and know that stealing and fighting are bad behaviors.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Pictures of police officers, security agents, and criminals.
  • Flashcards showing different types of crimes.
  • Videos or real-world examples of crime prevention.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher will:

  • Ask pupils about school rules and why they are important.
  • Relate rules to laws and explain that breaking laws can lead to punishment.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Decision-Making

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Security Education Textbook for Primary Schools
  • Basic Civic Education Textbook

Instructional Materials

  • Whiteboard and marker
  • Charts of different crimes
  • Handouts on crime prevention

Content Development

Meaning of Crime

A crime is a bad act that is against the law. It is something that a person does that can cause harm to others, property, or society.

Examples of Common Crimes

  1. Stealing (Theft) – Taking things that do not belong to you.
  2. Fighting (Assault) – Hurting someone physically.
  3. Lying (Fraud) – Telling lies to cheat someone.
  4. Destroying Property (Vandalism) – Damaging things that belong to others.
  5. Disobeying Laws (Breaking Rules) – Refusing to follow school, home, or country rules.

Causes of Common Crimes

  1. Poverty – When people do not have enough money, they may steal.
  2. Peer Pressure – Friends may influence someone to commit a crime.
  3. Drug Abuse – People under the influence of drugs may behave badly.
  4. Lack of Parental Care – Children without good guidance may engage in crimes.
  5. Broken Homes – A family without love and care can make children misbehave.
  6. Unemployment – When adults do not have jobs, they may steal to survive.
  7. Greed – Some people want more money and take from others.
  8. Corruption – Some leaders take money that is meant for the people.

Effects of Common Crimes

  1. Fear and Anxiety – People become afraid to go out.
  2. Loss of Property – Victims of theft lose valuable things.
  3. Punishment – Those who commit crimes can be arrested.
  4. Broken Relationships – Families and friends may no longer trust criminals.
  5. Poor Reputation – Criminals are seen as bad people.

Crime Prevention Strategies

  1. Obey Rules and Laws – Follow school and home rules.
  2. Report Crimes – Tell a teacher or police officer if you see a crime.
  3. Avoid Bad Friends – Do not follow people who commit crimes.
  4. Stay in School – Education helps people stay out of crime.
  5. Community Policing – Working with security agents to stop crime.

Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)

  1. _____ is an act that is against the law.
    a) Crime
    b) Love
    c) Happiness
    d) Health
  2. The act of taking something that does not belong to you is called _____.
    a) Helping
    b) Theft
    c) Studying
    d) Sharing
  3. One cause of crime is _____.
    a) Poverty
    b) Kindness
    c) Love
    d) Peace
  4. People who break the law are called _____.
    a) Teachers
    b) Criminals
    c) Doctors
    d) Engineers
  5. A person who keeps law and order is called _____.
    a) Pilot
    b) Doctor
    c) Police officer
    d) Chef

(Include 10 more similar questions)


Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

  1. What is a crime?
    • A crime is a bad action that is against the law.
  2. Why do people commit crimes?
    • People commit crimes because of poverty, peer pressure, or greed.
  3. Who punishes criminals?
    • The police and government punish criminals.
  4. What is theft?
    • Theft is when someone takes what does not belong to them.
  5. How can we prevent crime?
    • By obeying rules, reporting crimes, and avoiding bad company.

(Include 10 more similar questions)


Presentation Steps

  1. Teacher’s Activities
    • Revises the previous lesson.
    • Explains the meaning, causes, and effects of crime.
    • Uses pictures and real-life examples to teach.
    • Guides class discussions on crime prevention.
  2. Learners’ Activities
    • Answer questions on common crimes.
    • Discuss ways to prevent crime.
    • Participate in group activities.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answer Format)

  1. What is a crime?
  2. Give two examples of crimes.
  3. List two causes of crimes.
  4. Who helps in preventing crimes?
  5. How can crime affect a community?
  6. Mention two effects of crimes.
  7. How can we prevent crime?
  8. Name one law enforcement agency in Nigeria.
  9. What is the difference between crime and a mistake?
  10. Why should we avoid crime?

Conclusion

  • The teacher summarizes the lesson.
  • Pupils reflect on what they have learned.
  • Teacher marks pupils’ work and gives feedback.

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