Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance Explained

 

Lesson Plan on Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance

Subject:

Cultural and Creative Arts

Class:

Basic 4

Term:

Second Term

Week:

Week 3

Age:

8–9 years

Topic:

Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance

Sub-Topic:

Identifying and exploring the characteristics of traditional dances from various Nigerian tribes.

Duration:

40 minutes


Behavioral Objectives:

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

  1. Identify traditional dances in Nigeria.
  2. State the features of specific traditional dances in Nigeria.
  3. Participate in a traditional dance from a selected Nigerian culture.

Keywords:

  • Traditional
  • Dance
  • Features
  • Culture
  • Heritage

Set Induction:

The teacher plays a short video showcasing Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa traditional dances.

Entry Behavior:

Pupils are familiar with some Nigerian tribes and their cultural practices.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Pictures and videos of Nigerian traditional dances.
  • Audio recordings of traditional Nigerian music.
  • Costumes and instruments used in traditional dances.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher asks pupils to name a Nigerian tribe they know and any cultural practices they are familiar with.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Creativity and imagination
  • Citizenship and leadership skills

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Approved Cultural and Creative Arts textbooks

Instructional Materials:

  • Pictures of traditional dancers in costumes
  • Traditional musical instruments (e.g., Bata drum, Ekwe, Kakaki trumpet)

Musical instrument


Content:

Definition of Traditional Dance:

Traditional dance refers to a type of dance that reflects the culture, traditions, and heritage of a particular group of people. It is often performed during cultural events, festivals, and celebrations.

Features of Nigerian Traditional Dances:

  1. Yoruba Traditional Dance:
    • Intricate steps and body movements.
    • Colorful costumes and accessories.
    • Accompanied by instruments like Bata drum, Gangan, and Shekere.
    • Example: Gelede Dance celebrates the importance of women in society.
  2. Igbo Traditional Dance:
    • Energetic and rhythmic movements.
    • Traditional instruments include Udu drum, Ekwe, and Ogene.
    • Example: Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri Dance performed during harvest celebrations.
  3. Hausa Traditional Dance:
    • Graceful and flowing movements.
    • Music played with instruments like Kakaki trumpet, Goge, and Kalangu.
    • Example: Kamu Dance performed during weddings.
  4. Tiv Traditional Dance:
    • Lively and joyful steps.
    • Use of colorful costumes and masks representing ancestors.
    • Example: Yan Tan Dance.
  5. Fulani Traditional Dance:
    • Reflects courage and strength.
    • Accompanied by traditional costumes and drums.
    • Example: Sharo Dance performed during festivals.

Examples of Traditional Dances:

  1. Gelede Dance (Yoruba)
  2. Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri Dance (Igbo)
  3. Kamu Dance (Hausa)
  4. Yan Tan Dance (Tiv)
  5. Sharo Dance (Fulani)

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

  1. The Gelede dance is performed by the __________ people.
    a) Hausa b) Igbo c) Yoruba d) Fulani
  2. The dance used to celebrate the harvest season in Igbo culture is __________.
    a) Kamu b) Bata c) Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri d) Yan Tan
  3. __________ is a traditional dance performed during Yoruba cultural events.
    a) Eyo b) Bata c) Sharo d) Atilogwu
  4. The __________ dance is popular among the Tiv people.
    a) Gelede b) Yan Tan c) Kamu d) Atilogwu
  5. Traditional Hausa music often features the __________ instrument.
    a) Gangan b) Kakaki c) Ekwe d) Shekere
  6. The Yoruba people perform __________ to honor women’s importance.
    a) Atilogwu b) Kamu c) Gelede d) Sharo
  7. The Igbo traditional dance that uses the Udu drum is __________.
    a) Yan Tan b) Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri c) Eyo d) Kamu
  8. __________ dance features costumes representing ancestors.
    a) Bata b) Yan Tan c) Sharo d) Eyo
  9. The Fulani perform __________ to showcase strength and courage.
    a) Yan Tan b) Kamu c) Sharo d) Bata
  10. The __________ people are known for the Atilogwu dance.
    a) Igbo b) Hausa c) Yoruba d) Tiv
  11. The instrument used in Yoruba dances includes __________.
    a) Kakaki b) Gangan c) Ekwe d) Ogene
  12. The Eyo dance is associated with the __________ people.
    a) Lagos b) Tiv c) Fulani d) Hausa
  13. The __________ dance celebrates women in Yoruba society.
    a) Yan Tan b) Gelede c) Kamu d) Bata
  14. __________ is a traditional Igbo dance.
    a) Eyo b) Sharo c) Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri d) Bata
  15. The Sharo dance is known for its __________ movements.
    a) Graceful b) Energetic c) Courageous d) Colorful

15 FAQs with Answers:

  1. What is traditional dance?
    Traditional dance reflects a group’s culture and heritage.
  2. Which tribe performs the Gelede dance?
    The Yoruba tribe.
  3. What instrument is used in Hausa traditional dances?
    The Kakaki trumpet.
  4. What does the Yan Tan dance represent?
    It represents joy and ancestor spirits.
  5. Who performs the Kamu dance?
    The Hausa people.
  6. What is the significance of the Atilogwu dance?
    It celebrates Igbo festivals and culture.
  7. What instrument is common in Yoruba music?
    The Bata drum.
  8. What is the Sharo dance known for?
    Courage and strength.
  9. Which tribe celebrates the Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri dance?
    The Igbo.
  10. What do masks in Tiv dances represent?
    Ancestor spirits.
  11. Which dance honors women in Yoruba culture?
    The Gelede dance.
  12. Which tribe is associated with the Yan Tan dance?
    The Tiv people.
  13. What is unique about Fulani traditional dances?
    They showcase strength and courage.
  14. Why are traditional dances important?
    They preserve cultural heritage.
  15. What is the Eyo dance?
    A traditional Lagos dance celebrating important events.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answers):

  1. Name two traditional dances in Nigeria.
  2. Which dance celebrates women in Yoruba society?
  3. What instrument is used in Igbo traditional dances?
  4. Which dance is performed during Hausa weddings?
  5. What is the significance of the Yan Tan dance?
  6. Name the dance performed during Igbo harvest celebrations.
  7. What is unique about the Fulani Sharo dance?
  8. Which dance is popular among the Tiv people?
  9. Name a musical instrument used in Yoruba traditional dances.
  10. Why is it important to learn about traditional dances?

Conclusion:

The teacher summarizes the lesson and highlights the importance of cultural diversity. Pupils share their thoughts, and the teacher provides feedback on class activities.


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