Introduction to Prose and Oral Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes

Subject: Literature in English
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Introduction to the Elements of Prose and Types of Oral Literature
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Identify and explain the key elements of prose.
2. Recognize different types of oral literature and their characteristics.

Keywords:

• Prose
• Plot
• Style
• Characterization
• Oral Literature
• Folktales
• Myths
• Legends

Set Induction:

Begin by asking students about their favorite stories and how they think these stories are structured. Discuss how different elements contribute to storytelling.

Entry Behaviour:

Students may be familiar with basic storytelling but need to understand the elements of prose and types of oral literature.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with prose elements and types of oral literature
• Sample texts or excerpts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students may have experience with stories and oral traditions but need to delve deeper into their components and classifications.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Interpretation

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Literature textbooks for JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard for notes and explanations
• Handouts with prose elements and types of oral literature
• Sample texts

Content:

I. Introduction to the Elements of Prose

1. Plot:
   Definition: The sequence of events in a story.
   Components:
   • Exposition: Introduction of setting and characters.
   • Rising Action: Events that build up the story.
   • Climax: The turning point or most intense moment.
   • Falling Action: Events leading towards the resolution.
   • Resolution: The conclusion where the story is wrapped up.

   Example: In a story about a boy who finds a treasure, the plot includes his discovery (exposition), his adventures (rising action), the moment he almost loses the treasure (climax), and his return home with the treasure (resolution).

2. Style:
   Definition: The way an author expresses ideas through language.
   Components:
   • Language: Choice of words and expressions.
   • Tone: The author’s attitude towards the subject.
   • Mood: The feeling evoked in the reader.

   Example: A humorous story may use playful language and a light-hearted tone, while a serious story may use formal language and a somber tone.

3. Characterization:
   Definition: The method used to describe and develop characters.
   Components:
   • Direct Characterization: The author directly describes the character.
   • Indirect Characterization: Revealed through actions, dialogue, and interactions.

   Example: A character who always helps others and speaks kindly may be described as compassionate and caring through both direct descriptions and their actions in the story.

II. Types of Oral Literature

1. Folktales:
   Definition: Traditional stories passed down orally from generation to generation.
   Characteristics: Often feature moral lessons, mythical creatures, and cultural values.Example: Stories about clever animals outwitting larger predators.
2. Myths:
   Definition: Sacred stories explaining natural phenomena or cultural beliefs.
   Characteristics: Often involve gods, creation stories, and supernatural events.Example: Myths about gods creating the world or controlling natural forces.
3. Legends:
   Definition: Stories based on historical events or figures, often embellished.
   Characteristics: May include heroic deeds, historical settings, and legendary figures.Example: Stories about legendary heroes and their adventures, such as the tales of King Arthur.
4. Proverbs:
   Definition: Short, traditional sayings expressing a general truth or piece of advice.
   Characteristics: Reflect cultural wisdom and common experiences.Example: “A stitch in time saves nine” – addressing the value of taking care of problems early.
5. Songs and Chants:
   Definition: Musical expressions used for storytelling, celebrations, or rituals.
   Characteristics: Often rhythmic and repetitive, conveying messages or emotions.Example: Traditional songs that recount historical events or celebrate cultural practices.

A prose is a long narrative with a wide range of characters, events and experiences, written in a straight forward language.

ELEMENTS OF A PROSE (STORY)

Elements of fiction and elements of story in general can be used by the reader to increase their enjoyment and understanding of different literary pieces. Once students are aware that all stories have elements of character, setting, plot, theme, point of view, style, and tone; they can be encouraged to ask themselves to identify the characteristics of each for a particular story. The more familiar they become with the different kinds of elements the better they will understand and critically analyze stories.

1. Character: Character is the mental, emotional, and social qualities to distinguish one entity from another (people, animals, spirits, automatons, pieces of furniture, and other animated objects).Character development is the change that a character undergoes from the beginning of a story to the end. Young children can note this.The importance of a character to the story determines how fully the character is developed. Characters can be Primary, secondary, minor,or main.
2. Plot: Plot is the order in which things move and happen in a story.Chronological order is when a story relates events in the order in which they happened.Flashbackis when the story moves back in time. 

Evaluation

Explain the meaning of each of the following.

1. Characterization
2. Plot
3. Setting
4. Language

Reading Assignment

Essential Literature-in-English for SSS pages 12 – 14

Questions:

1. The __________ is the sequence of events in a story.
   a) Plot
   b) Style
   c) Theme
   d) Setting
2. __________ refers to the author’s way of expressing ideas through language.
   a) Plot
   b) Characterization
   c) Style
   d) Resolution
3. The __________ is the turning point of a story.
   a) Exposition
   b) Climax
   c) Rising Action
   d) Resolution
4. __________ are traditional stories passed down orally from generation to generation.
   a) Myths
   b) Folktales
   c) Proverbs
   d) Legends
5. __________ stories explain natural phenomena or cultural beliefs.
   a) Legends
   b) Folktales
   c) Myths
   d) Songs
6. __________ are stories based on historical events or figures, often embellished.
   a) Proverbs
   b) Myths
   c) Legends
   d) Folktales
7. __________ describes how a character is developed through actions and interactions.
   a) Direct Characterization
   b) Indirect Characterization
   c) Style
   d) Plot
8. The __________ includes the introduction of characters and setting.
   a) Climax
   b) Exposition
   c) Falling Action
   d) Resolution
9. __________ refers to the mood and tone of a story.
   a) Characterization
   b) Style
   c) Plot
   d) Setting
10. __________ are short, traditional sayings that express general truths or advice.
    a) Myths
    b) Proverbs
    c) Songs
    d) Legends
11. __________ stories often feature mythical creatures and moral lessons.
    a) Legends
    b) Proverbs
    c) Folktales
    d) Myths
12. The __________ of a narrative often resolves the main conflict.
    a) Rising Action
    b) Climax
    c) Resolution
    d) Exposition
13. __________ may include heroic deeds and legendary figures.
    a) Proverbs
    b) Myths
    c) Legends
    d) Songs
14. __________ are musical expressions used for storytelling or rituals.
    a) Songs and Chants
    b) Proverbs
    c) Myths
    d) Folktales
15. __________ characterization reveals a character’s traits through their actions and dialogue.
    a) Direct
    b) Indirect
    c) Style
    d) Plot

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is the purpose of the plot in a story?
   To organize the events in a structured sequence.
2. How does style influence a story?
   It affects the tone, mood, and overall feel of the narrative.
3. What are the key components of characterization?
   Direct and indirect methods of revealing a character’s traits.
4. What is a folktale?
   A traditional story passed down orally that often teaches moral lessons.
5. How do myths differ from folktales?
   Myths typically explain natural phenomena or cultural beliefs, while folktales are more about traditional stories and morals.
6. What are the features of legends?
   Legends are based on historical events or figures and often include heroic deeds.
7. What is the role of proverbs in oral literature?
   They express general truths or advice in a concise and memorable way.
8. What is the climax of a story?
   The turning point or most intense moment of the narrative.
9. How does indirect characterization work?
   It reveals character traits through their actions, dialogue, and interactions.
10. What is the purpose of the resolution in a story?
    To wrap up the plot and resolve the main conflict.
11. How do proverbs reflect cultural wisdom?
    They convey commonly accepted truths and experiences in a succinct manner.
12. What makes oral literature distinct from written literature?
    Oral literature is passed down through spoken word and is often more flexible and adaptive.
13. What are some common types of oral literature?
    Folktales, myths, legends, proverbs, and songs.
14. How can style affect the mood of a story?
    The author’s choice of words and expressions can create different feelings in the reader.
15. What is the importance of characterization in literature?
    It helps readers understand and connect with the characters in the story.

Presentation:

Step 1: Introduce and define the key elements of prose (plot, style, characterization).
Step 2: Discuss different types of oral literature and their characteristics.
Step 3: Provide examples and engage students in identifying these elements and types in sample texts.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Explain the elements of prose and types of oral literature.
2. Provide examples and engage students in discussion.
3. Distribute handouts and review key points.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Take notes on the elements of prose and types of oral literature.
2. Participate in discussions and answer questions about the text and vocabulary.
3. Complete fill-in-the-blank questions and FAQs.

Assessment:

1. Review students’ answers to the fill-in-the-blank questions.
2. Evaluate understanding through participation in discussions and responses to FAQs.

10 Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the plot of a story?
2. Name one type of oral literature.
3. What does characterization involve?
4. How is style different from tone?
5. What is the purpose of a myth?
6. Describe the resolution in a narrative.
7. What is indirect characterization?
8. Give an example of a proverb and its meaning.
9. What are the key components of the plot structure?
10. How does the climax impact the story?

Conclusion:

Go around to mark and provide feedback on students’ understanding of the elements of prose and types of oral literature. Address any areas needing clarification.

More Useful Links 

• Exploring the World of Literature: Types and Features Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
• Exploring Literature: Understanding the Purpose of Literature and the World of Prose Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2