Exploring Literature: Understanding the Purpose of Literature and the World of Prose Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2
English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes
Subject: Literature in English
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Purpose/Functions of Literature & Introduction to Prose
Sub-topic: Purpose/Functions of Literature, Introduction to Prose
Duration: 40 Minutes
Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the purpose and functions of literature.
- Define prose and identify its characteristics.
- Discuss examples of prose from the recommended text.
Keywords:
- Literature
- Purpose
- Function
- Prose
- Characteristics
Set Induction:
Start with a brief discussion on why stories, poems, and plays are important in our lives. Ask students to share their favorite books or stories and what they enjoy about them.
Entry Behaviour:
Students have a basic understanding of what literature is but may not be familiar with its functions and the specific characteristics of prose.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Recommended prose text
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with definitions and examples
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students have been exposed to various types of literature but need to deepen their understanding of its purpose and the features of prose.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Reading comprehension
- Discussion and analysis
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Recommended Literature textbooks for JSS 1
Instructional Materials:
- Copies of the recommended prose text
- Whiteboard for notes
- Handouts with key points
Content:
1. Purpose/Functions of Literature
- Definition: Literature refers to written works that express ideas, emotions, and stories through various forms such as novels, poems, and plays.
- Purpose:
- To Entertain: Literature often provides enjoyment and amusement.
- To Educate: It can teach readers about different cultures, histories, and ideas.
- To Reflect Society: Literature mirrors the society and time in which it is written.
- To Inspire: It can inspire people to think differently or act in new ways.
2. Introduction to Prose
- Definition: Prose is a form of written language that follows natural speech patterns, unlike poetry which often uses meter and rhyme.
- Characteristics of Prose:
- Straightforward Language: Uses ordinary language and sentences.
- Narrative Structure: Often tells a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Character Development: Includes detailed descriptions of characters and their development.
- Plot and Setting: Contains a plot that involves conflicts and resolutions, and a setting where the story takes place.
- Examples: Review excerpts from the recommended prose text, highlighting the narrative structure and character development.
15 Fill-in-the-blank Questions:
- Literature refers to written works that express ideas and stories through __________ forms.
a) Musical
b) Visual
c) Written
d) Mathematical - One purpose of literature is to __________ the reader.
a) Confuse
b) Entertain
c) Ignore
d) Forget - Prose uses __________ language and sentences.
a) Rhyming
b) Ordinary
c) Complex
d) Abstract - The function of literature to mirror society is to __________ its time and culture.
a) Ignore
b) Reflect
c) Distort
d) Hide - Prose often includes __________ that develop throughout the story.
a) Numbers
b) Characters
c) Songs
d) Symbols - Literature can also __________ readers to think or act differently.
a) Confuse
b) Inspire
c) Dishearten
d) Avoid - The __________ of prose involves a clear beginning, middle, and end.
a) Language
b) Plot
c) Style
d) Theme - To __________ is to give details and descriptions about characters.
a) Discard
b) Develop
c) Remove
d) Ignore - The __________ of a story includes where and when it takes place.
a) Plot
b) Setting
c) Title
d) Conclusion - Prose is different from poetry because it does not usually use __________ and rhyme.
a) Language
b) Meter
c) Sentences
d) Dialogue - One of the functions of literature is to __________ about different cultures.
a) Teach
b) Ignore
c) Hide
d) Forget - In prose, the __________ is the part where the main events and conflicts occur.
a) Conclusion
b) Introduction
c) Body
d) Title - Literature that __________ society helps readers understand historical and cultural contexts.
a) Reflects
b) Ignores
c) Avoids
d) Distorts - Prose includes detailed __________ that help the reader visualize the story.
a) Numbers
b) Characters
c) Dates
d) Formulas - The __________ of prose helps in storytelling by organizing events in a logical order.
a) Structure
b) Poem
c) Dialogue
d) Description
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What is the main purpose of literature?
To entertain, educate, reflect society, and inspire. - How does literature reflect society?
By depicting the culture, values, and issues of its time. - What is prose?
A form of writing that uses ordinary language and sentences, and tells a story. - What are the main characteristics of prose?
Straightforward language, narrative structure, character development, and plot. - How does prose differ from poetry?
Prose uses regular language and sentences, while poetry often uses meter and rhyme. - Why is it important for literature to entertain?
It engages readers and makes the reading experience enjoyable. - In what ways can literature educate readers?
By providing information about different cultures, histories, and ideas. - What role does character development play in prose?
It helps readers connect with and understand the characters in the story. - How can literature inspire people?
By presenting new ideas and encouraging readers to think or act in new ways. - What does the setting of a story refer to?
The time and place where the story occurs. - How does prose help in storytelling?
By organizing events logically and providing detailed descriptions. - What is the function of a plot in prose?
To provide the sequence of events and conflicts in the story. - Why is it important for literature to reflect society?
To help readers understand and relate to different aspects of human life and history. - What makes prose a popular form of literature?
Its straightforward language and ability to convey detailed narratives. - How does the introduction to prose help students?
It provides a foundation for understanding the characteristics and functions of prose in literature.
Presentation:
Step 1: Introduce the purpose and functions of literature with examples.
Step 2: Explain the characteristics of prose and read excerpts from the recommended text.
Step 3: Discuss how prose fits into the broader context of literature and its functions.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain the purpose and functions of literature.
- Introduce the concept of prose and its characteristics.
- Facilitate a discussion using examples from the recommended text.
Learners’ Activities:
- Participate in discussions about the purpose of literature.
- Read and analyze excerpts from the recommended prose text.
- Identify characteristics of prose in the text.
Assessment:
- Evaluate students’ understanding of the purpose and functions of literature through a brief discussion.
- Assess students’ ability to identify and describe prose characteristics using examples from the recommended text.
- Provide feedback on their comprehension and analysis of prose.
Ten Evaluation Questions:
- What are the main purposes of literature?
- How does literature reflect society?
- What defines prose as a form of writing?
- What are some characteristics of prose?
- How does prose differ from poetry?
- Why is it important for literature to educate?
- What role does character development play in prose?
- How does the plot contribute to a prose story?
- Why is understanding the setting important in prose?
- How can prose inspire readers?
Conclusion:
The teacher will review the key points about the purpose of literature and the characteristics of prose. Students will be encouraged to apply these concepts in their reading and writing.