Mastering Contextual Word Meanings Through Reading Comprehension English Grammar SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Comprehension English Grammar SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Subject: English Grammar
Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 13-14 years
Topic: Reading Comprehension
Sub-topic: Understanding Word Meanings Through Context
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate between contextual and literal meanings of words.
2. Use a dictionary to find initial meanings and other levels of meanings of words.
3. Make sentences using new words to bring out their contextual meanings.
4. Recognize when words are used in different contextual situations.

Keywords:

• Contextual Meaning: The meaning of a word based on the surrounding text.
• Literal Meaning: The exact, dictionary definition of a word.
• Dictionary: A reference book that provides meanings, pronunciations, and uses of words.

Set Induction:
The teacher writes a sentence on the board with a word that has multiple meanings (e.g., “The bank is near the river” vs. “I need to go to the bank to withdraw money.”) and asks students to explain the different meanings of the word in each context.

Entry Behaviour:
Students are familiar with basic word meanings but may not fully understand how context can change the meaning of a word.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• A dictionary for each student or group
• Selected comprehension passage
• Newspaper and magazine clippings with underlined words
• Whiteboard and markers

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students have learned about literal meanings of words in previous lessons. This lesson will build on that knowledge by introducing contextual meanings.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Vocabulary Development
• Contextual Understanding
• Reading Comprehension

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• English Textbooks
• Dictionary

Instructional Materials:

• Comprehension passage
• Dictionary
• Newspaper clippings with highlighted words

Content

Comprehension Passage:

“The Importance of Agriculture in Nigeria”

Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. It provides employment for a large percentage of the population and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. Many families rely on farming as their primary source of income. In recent years, the government has made efforts to promote agricultural practices through various initiatives. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of access to modern farming tools, and climate change have affected productivity.

Despite these challenges, there have been notable successes. For instance, the introduction of improved seed varieties has led to increased crop yields. Farmers are now able to produce more food to feed the growing population. Additionally, there is a growing interest in organic farming, which is seen as a sustainable way to improve food security.

Agriculture also plays a crucial role in the nation’s exports. Nigeria is known for exporting crops such as cocoa, palm oil, and rubber. These exports bring in foreign exchange, which is vital for the country’s economic stability. The government continues to encourage young people to take up farming as a viable career option. Through education and training programs, the younger generation is being equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the agricultural sector.

In conclusion, agriculture remains an essential part of Nigeria’s economy. With the right support and investment, it has the potential to drive the nation towards economic prosperity.

Evaluation:
Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the context provided:

1. Agriculture is the _______ of Nigeria’s economy.
   a) foundation
   b) burden
   c) collapse
   d) decline
2. Many families rely on _______ as their primary source of income.
   a) trading
   b) farming
   c) fishing
   d) manufacturing
3. The government has made efforts to _______ agricultural practices.
   a) eliminate
   b) promote
   c) ignore
   d) weaken
4. Improved seed varieties have led to increased _______.
   a) costs
   b) failures
   c) crop yields
   d) debts
5. Nigeria exports crops such as cocoa, palm oil, and _______.
   a) wheat
   b) rubber
   c) rice
   d) corn

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What is the literal meaning of “backbone” and how is it used contextually in the passage?
   Answer: Literal: The column of bones supporting the body. Contextual: The most important part or foundation of something.
2. Explain how “promote” is used in the passage.
   Answer: In the passage, “promote” means to encourage or support the development of agricultural practices.
3. Why is “farming” considered the primary source of income for many families?
   Answer: Because it is the main activity they engage in to earn money and sustain their livelihoods.
4. What does “exports” refer to in the passage?
   Answer: Goods sent to other countries for sale, which in this case are crops like cocoa, palm oil, and rubber.
5. Discuss how the word “challenges” is used in the passage.
   Answer: “Challenges” refers to the difficulties or obstacles that affect agricultural productivity, such as poor infrastructure and climate change.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was on “Introduction to Reading Comprehension.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by reading aloud the comprehension passage titled “The Importance of Agriculture in Nigeria.” The teacher highlights key words that may have different meanings depending on the context.
Step 3: The teacher allows students to discuss the meanings of the highlighted words both literally and contextually. The teacher corrects and guides students on how to identify contextual meanings.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Read the passage aloud to the students.
• Explain the difference between literal and contextual meanings using examples from the passage.
• Encourage students to use a dictionary to look up word meanings.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the passage being read aloud.
• Identify words with multiple meanings in the passage.
• Discuss and write sentences using the identified words in different contexts.

Assessment:
The teacher assesses students’ understanding by reviewing their participation in discussions, the accuracy of their answers in the evaluation questions, and their ability to use new vocabulary in context.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the meaning of “backbone” in the context of the passage?
2. How is the word “promote” used in the passage?
3. Why is “agriculture” important to Nigeria’s economy?
4. What are some challenges faced by farmers in Nigeria?
5. What crops does Nigeria export?

Conclusion:
The teacher goes around to mark the students’ work, offers feedback, and corrects any mistakes. The teacher emphasizes the importance of understanding words in context and encourages students to practice reading comprehension regularly.