CHARACTERISTICS OF A NATION 

Subject : CIVIC EDUCATION

CHARACTERISTICS OF A NATION 

• Identify the characteristics
  of a nation
• Explain various
  characteristics of a nation
  e.g. Common customs,
  common territory,
  common language
• Indicate on a map some of
  the characteristics e.g.
  States that share
  territories
• understand the concept of cultural diversity in Nigeria
• identify states in Nigeria that share common languages, territory, customs, and traditions
• recognize and appreciate the unique cultural heritage of each state in Nigeria

Learning Activities 

• Pupils in pairs identify
  characteristics of a
  nation
• Pupils as a class
  brainstorm on the
  characteristic of a nation
• Pupils in small groups
  draw the map of Nigeria
  indicating states that
  share common
  languages, Territory,
  common customs and
  traditions

Embedded Core Skills 

• Critical thinking
  and
  problem solving
• Creativity and
  imagination
• Communication
  and
  collaboration
• Leadership and
  personal
  development
• Citizenship

Instructional materials :

• Picture charts
  showing various
  Characteristics of a nation
• A physical map of Nigeria
• Pictures and videos of festivals and traditions from different states in Nigeria

Reference Materials :

• Textbooks on Civic Education book 4
• Workbook on Civic Education
• Lagos State Scheme of Work on civic Education
• Online links , materials and webpages that are related to this topic

The characteristics of a nation

A nation is a group of people who share certain things in common. These things might include:

1. Common territory: This means that the people of a nation live in the same geographic area. For example, the United States is a nation that is made up of 50 states that are all located within the same borders.
2. Common customs: Customs are the way that people in a nation behave and interact with each other. For example, in some countries it is customary to bow or shake hands when meeting someone, while in other countries people might kiss each other on the cheek.
3. Common tradition: Tradition refers to the beliefs and practices that are passed down from generation to generation. For example, in some countries it is tradition to celebrate Christmas by decorating a tree and exchanging gifts.
4. Common language: A common language means that the people of a nation can understand each other when they speak. For example, in the United States, most people speak English as their common language.

Here are some examples to help illustrate these characteristics:

Example 1: The country of Japan has a common territory, which includes four main islands and several smaller ones. Japanese people also have common customs, such as taking off their shoes before entering a home, and common traditions, such as celebrating the new year with special food and decorations. The people of Japan all speak Japanese, which is their common language.

Example 2: The country of Canada has a common territory, which includes ten provinces and three territories. Canadians have common customs, such as apologizing frequently and being polite to strangers, and common traditions, such as celebrating Canada Day on July 1st with parades and fireworks. The people of Canada speak both English and French, which are their two official languages.

Evaluation

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a nation? a) Common territory b) Common customs c) Common profession d) Common language
2. What does “common territory” mean? a) The people of a nation have the same jobs b) The people of a nation live in the same geographic area c) The people of a nation have the same hobbies d) The people of a nation have the same pets
3. What are customs? a) The beliefs and practices that are passed down from generation to generation b) The geographic area where people live c) The language spoken by the people d) The clothing worn by the people
4. Which of the following is an example of a common tradition? a) Celebrating birthdays b) Going to school c) Celebrating national holidays d) Eating breakfast
5. What does “common language” mean? a) The people of a nation can understand each other when they speak b) The people of a nation have the same religion c) The people of a nation have the same skin color d) The people of a nation have the same favorite food
6. Which country has a common language of French? a) Canada b) Japan c) Australia d) Russia
7. What is a nation? a) A group of people who share certain things in common b) A type of animal that lives in the jungle c) A type of tree that grows in the forest d) A type of food that is popular in Europe
8. Which of the following is an example of a common custom? a) Driving on the left side of the road b) Eating spaghetti with a fork c) Wearing hats indoors d) Playing soccer with your hands
9. What are traditions? a) The beliefs and practices that are passed down from generation to generation b) The geographic area where people live c) The language spoken by the people d) The clothing worn by the people
10. Which country has a common language of Spanish? a) Brazil b) Spain c) Italy d) Mexico

States that share common languages, territory, customs and traditions in Nigeria

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other states in Nigeria that share common languages, territory, customs, and traditions. Also, it’s important to note that while some states may share certain characteristics, each state and ethnic group in Nigeria has its own unique culture and traditions.

Evaluation

1. Which region of Nigeria is known for its masquerade festivals? a) Northern Nigeria b) Southeastern Nigeria c) Southwestern Nigeria d) South-south Nigeria
2. What is the common language spoken in Kano and Kaduna states? a) Igbo b) Hausa c) Yoruba d) Fulfulde
3. Which state in Nigeria is known for its Igue festival? a) Lagos b) Anambra c) Edo d) Oyo
4. What is a common custom in Yoruba-speaking states? a) Cattle herding b) Wearing traditional attire c) Naming ceremonies d) Traditional worship
5. Which festival is celebrated in Northern Nigeria to mark the end of Ramadan? a) Sallah festival b) Durbar festival c) Egungun festival d) New yam festival
6. What is a common language spoken in Ebonyi and Enugu states? a) Yoruba b) Igbo c) Hausa d) Fulfulde
7. Which region of Nigeria is known for its traditional hospitality? a) Southeastern Nigeria b) Southwestern Nigeria c) Northern Nigeria d) South-south Nigeria
8. Which festival is celebrated in Southwestern Nigeria to honor ancestors? a) Durbar festival b) Egungun festival c) Sallah festival d) New yam festival
9. Which state in Nigeria is known for its weaving traditions? a) Gombe b) Katsina c) Edo d) Oyo
10. What is a common custom in Northern Nigeria? a) Respect for elders b) Traditional worship c) Naming ceremonies d) Art and craft

Lesson Presentation

Revision (5 minutes) :

• Revise the last lesson with the young learners which was Meaning of a Nation

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin by asking students if they know what cultural diversity means. Discuss the concept briefly and explain how it applies to Nigeria.
• Show students a map of Nigeria and point out the different regions and states.
• Ask students if they know any states in Nigeria that share common languages, territory, customs, and traditions. Record their responses on the board.

Main Activity (30 minutes):

• Divide students into groups and assign each group a state in Nigeria.
• Provide each group with pictures and videos of festivals and traditions from their assigned state.
• Instruct students to identify the common language, territory, customs, and traditions of their assigned state.
• Have each group present their findings to the class and explain how their assigned state’s culture is unique.

Wrap-up (10 minutes):

• Review the common languages, territory, customs, and traditions of the different states in Nigeria that were presented.
• Ask students what they learned about cultural diversity in Nigeria and why it is important to appreciate and respect different cultures.
• Distribute a worksheet for students to fill out, asking them to identify one thing they learned about each state presented and what they found interesting or unique about it.
• The Hausa language is commonly spoken in _____________ Nigeria.
• The Igue festival is celebrated in the state of _____________.
• The Yoruba-speaking states are located in _____________ Nigeria.
• The Fulfulde language is commonly spoken in _____________ Nigeria.
• The Durbar festival is celebrated in _____________ Nigeria.
• The Igbo-speaking states are located in _____________ Nigeria.
• The traditional hospitality of Northern Nigeria is well-known in the _____________ region.
• The Egungun festival is celebrated in _____________ Nigeria.
• The state of _____________ is known for its weaving traditions.
• The respect for ancestors is a common custom in _____________-speaking states

Assessment:

• The worksheet completed by students will serve as the assessment for this lesson. The teacher will review the worksheet to determine if students have met the objectives of the lesson.

Extension:

• For an extension activity, students can create a poster or presentation about a state in Nigeria that was not covered in the lesson. They can research the state’s culture, history, and traditions and present their findings to the class.

Weekly Assessment /Test

1. What does cultural diversity mean in the context of Nigeria?
2. Name three common characteristics that states in Nigeria might share.
3. What is the common language spoken in Northern Nigeria?
4. Which festival is celebrated in Southwestern Nigeria to honor ancestors?
5. What is a common custom in Yoruba-speaking states?
6. Which state in Nigeria is known for its Igue festival?
7. What is a common tradition in Igbo-speaking states?
8. Which region of Nigeria is known for its traditional hospitality?
9. What is a common custom in Northern Nigeria?
10. What is a unique cultural tradition that you learned about in this unit?