Criminal Behaviours Security Education Primary 4 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Title: Understanding Criminal Behaviours: Meaning, Types, and Effects on Society

Focus Keyphrase: Criminal Behaviours

SEO Title: Understanding Criminal Behaviours in Society: Types, Effects, and Prevention

Slug: meaning-of-criminal-behaviours

Meta Description: Learn about the meaning of criminal behaviours, types of crimes, their effects on society, and how to avoid engaging in criminal activities in this comprehensive lesson.

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Lesson Plan: Meaning of Criminal Behaviours

Subject: Security Education
Class: Primary
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 5
Age (in years): 8-12
Topic: Meaning of Criminal Behaviours
Previous Topic: Dangers: Meaning, Types, and Prevention of Dangers
Duration: 40-45 minutes

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Performance Objectives:

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

1. Explain the meaning of criminal behaviour.
2. Identify common criminal behaviours in the neighbourhood and their punishments.
3. Learn how to avoid engaging in criminal behaviours.

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Keywords:

• Criminal Behaviour
• Crime
• Punishment
• Neighbourhood
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Violence
• Law
• Prevention

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Set Induction:

To start the lesson, ask the pupils:

• “What do you think happens when someone does something wrong, like stealing or fighting?”
• “Why do people sometimes break the law?”
  This will help the students begin thinking about criminal behaviours and connect the lesson to their own experiences or observations in the community.

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Entry Behaviour:

Before delving into the new topic, ask the students:

• “What did we learn in our last lesson about keeping our neighbourhood safe?”
• “Can you recall any examples of dangers we should avoid?”
  This creates a smooth transition from the previous topic on dangers to criminal behaviours, helping students recall safety rules and actions.

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Learning Resources and Materials:

• Flashcards with images of criminal behaviours (e.g., theft, vandalism).
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Real-life stories or simple case studies showing criminal behaviour and consequences.
• Videos showing how crime affects society.
• Law books or articles (age-appropriate) that explain the importance of following laws.

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The pupils may already be familiar with the concept of crime, as they hear about it in their neighbourhood or on TV. This lesson will help them understand the meaning of criminal behaviours and how they affect both individuals and society.

Ask:

• “Have you ever heard someone say that a person did something bad and was punished for it? What kind of punishment do you think they might face?”
• “Can you think of examples of things that are against the law?”
  This will encourage students to think critically about criminal behaviours and their consequences.

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Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical Thinking: Understanding and analyzing the reasons behind criminal behaviours and their impact on society.
• Communication: Expressing ideas clearly, both in speaking and writing, when discussing crimes and behaviours.
• Problem-Solving: Exploring ways to avoid engaging in criminal behaviours.
• Civic Awareness: Understanding the role of laws in maintaining order and safety in the community.

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Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary Schools (Security Education)
• Storybooks that describe positive and negative behaviours
• Visual aids like flashcards or posters on criminal behaviour

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Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Age-appropriate law books
• Government resources on crime prevention and civic education

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Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards showing different crimes (e.g., theft, vandalism, fighting).
• Whiteboard and markers for interactive note-taking.
• Projector (if available) to show a video or image of criminal acts and their consequences.
• Real-life examples from news or local community stories.

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Content:

Meaning of Criminal Behaviour:

1. Criminal Behaviour refers to actions that go against the law and are harmful to others.
   These are actions that society has defined as illegal, and individuals who engage in such behaviours are punished by the law.
   Examples include:
   • Stealing from others.
   • Fighting with people.
   • Destroying other people’s property (vandalism).
   • Lying or cheating.
   • Threatening others.
2. Criminal behaviours can occur in different places, such as at home, in school, or in the community. When people commit crimes, they face punishments to show that their actions are wrong.
3. Punishments for Criminal Behaviour may include:
   • Fines (paying money as punishment).
   • Jail or prison time.
   • Community service (helping the community as a form of punishment).
   • Reprimands or warnings.

Examples of Criminal Behaviours:

1. Theft (Stealing):
   • Taking something that does not belong to you without permission.
     Example: A person taking a friend’s lunch without asking.
2. Vandalism (Destroying Property):
   • Destroying or damaging someone else’s property, like breaking windows or defacing walls with graffiti.
     Example: A child breaking a school window for fun.
3. Fighting (Physical Violence):
   • Using physical force to hurt others, such as hitting or pushing.
     Example: A student fighting with another student over a disagreement.
4. Lying or Cheating:
   • Saying things that are not true to deceive others or unfairly gaining advantages in situations.
     Example: A student cheating on a test to get a better grade.
5. Threatening Others:
   • Making someone afraid by saying or doing things that could harm them.
     Example: A person telling another person that they will hurt them if they do not give them something.

Crimes and Criminal Behaviours in the Neighbourhood:

1. Theft in the Neighbourhood:
   • People may steal things from others in the neighbourhood, like bicycles, phones, or food.
     Preventing Theft: Keeping doors locked, avoiding leaving valuable items outside, and reporting suspicious activity.
2. Vandalism:
   • Graffiti or breaking things in public spaces.
     Preventing Vandalism: Respecting public property and encouraging everyone to keep the environment clean.
3. Drug Abuse:
   • Using harmful substances that are illegal.
     Preventing Drug Abuse: Promoting healthy lifestyles, teaching the dangers of drugs, and involving children in safe, productive activities.

Effects of Crimes on Society and Individuals:

1. Effects on Society:
   • Fear and insecurity: People may feel unsafe in their homes or communities.
   • Financial loss: Stealing or damaging property results in financial loss for victims.
   • Breakdown of trust: Crime creates mistrust among community members.
2. Effects on Individuals:
   • Punishments: Those who commit crimes face legal consequences like jail time or fines.
   • Social Isolation: People who engage in criminal behaviour may be rejected by their families or communities.
   • Emotional trauma: Victims of crime may suffer emotional pain or trauma from the experience.

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Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions):

1. Criminal behaviour is any action that ______ the law.
   a) follows
   b) breaks
   c) ignores
2. A person who steals is committing a ______.
   a) lie
   b) theft
   c) kindness
3. ______ is when someone breaks or damages someone else’s property.
   a) Fighting
   b) Vandalism
   c) Helping
4. A punishment for stealing might be ______.
   a) a gift
   b) a fine
   c) a celebration
5. ______ is using physical force to hurt someone.
   a) Helping
   b) Fighting
   c) Sharing
6. One way to prevent crimes in the neighbourhood is by ______.
   a) stealing
   b) reporting suspicious activity
   c) fighting
7. The ______ of committing a crime may include going to jail.
   a) reward
   b) punishment
   c) joy
8. If someone lies or cheats, they are engaging in ______.
   a) honesty
   b) criminal behaviour
   c) kindness
9. The ______ of crime can lead to fear in the community.
   a) benefits
   b) effects
   c) rewards
10. The punishment for vandalism may include ______.
    a) a reward
    b) a fine
    c) freedom
11. A child who breaks a neighbour’s window may be charged with ______.
    a) theft
    b) vandalism
    c) kindness
12. The ______ of stealing is that the thief may be caught and punished.
    a) joy
    b) risk
    c) fun
13. A common punishment for criminal behaviour is ______.
    a) praise
    b) punishment
    c) celebration
14. People who commit crimes often ______ their trust with others.
    a) build
    b) destroy
    c) improve
15. ______ is a serious consequence of crime that affects both the victim and the criminal.
    a) Emotional trauma
    b) Laughter
    c) Happiness

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Class Activity Discussion:

15 FAQs with Answers:

1. What is criminal behaviour?
   Criminal behaviour is any action that breaks the law and harms others.
2. What is theft?
   Theft is taking something that does not belong to you without permission.
3. What is vandalism?
   Vandalism is destroying or damaging someone else’s property, like breaking windows.
4. Why do people fight?
   People fight due to disagreements, but fighting is wrong and can lead to harm.
5. What happens when someone lies or cheats?
   Lying or cheating is dishonest, and it can lead to loss of trust and punishment.
6. How does crime affect the community?
   Crime makes people feel unsafe and can lead to financial loss.
7. Why do people commit crimes?
   Some people commit crimes because they don’t understand the consequences or because of bad influences.
8. How can we stop crimes in our neighbourhood?
   By reporting suspicious activities and following the law.
9. What is the punishment for stealing?
   Stealing can result in jail time or fines.
10. What is the risk of committing a crime?
    The risk includes getting caught and being punished.
11. Can crime affect victims emotionally?
    Yes, crime can cause emotional pain for victims, such as fear or sadness.
12. What can you do to avoid crime?
    Stay away from bad influences, follow the law, and report crimes.
13. Is vandalism a crime?
    Yes, vandalism is a crime, and people who do it can be punished.
14. What is a fine?
    A fine is a financial punishment where you have to pay money for breaking the law.
15. Why should we respect the law?
    Respecting the law keeps everyone safe and prevents harm in society.

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Teacher’s Activities:

• Revises the previous topic (dangers) and connects it to criminal behaviour.
• Introduces the topic of criminal behaviours by explaining the meaning and giving examples.
• Encourages students to participate by asking questions and sharing their thoughts.
• Discusses the consequences of criminal behaviour.

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Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the teacher’s explanation.
• Contribute by answering questions and discussing examples of criminal behaviour.
• Participate in the evaluation and class discussion.

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Assessment (Evaluation Questions):

1. What does criminal behaviour mean?
2. Give two examples of criminal behaviour.
3. What happens when someone breaks the law?
4. What is the punishment for stealing?
5. Name one effect of crime on society.
6. Why should we avoid criminal behaviour?
7. What should you do if you see someone committing a crime?
8. What is vandalism?
9. How can criminal behaviour affect families?
10. What can we do to keep our neighbourhood safe?

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Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark the students’ responses and provides feedback. The teacher emphasizes the importance of understanding criminal behaviours and their effects on both individuals and society. The class concludes with a discussion on how students can actively avoid criminal activities and contribute to a safer environment.