Literature in English JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 3

Age: 12 years

Topic: Features of Folktales

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Identify and explain the key features of folktales.
2. Analyze the didactic and entertaining elements of folktales.
3. Recognize the use of riddles and other literary devices in folktales.
4. Discuss the cultural significance of folktales in different societies.

Keywords

• Folktales
• Didactic
• Entertaining
• Riddles
• Cultural significance

Set Induction

Begin the lesson by asking students if they know any folktales or stories passed down from their families. Encourage them to share any stories they remember and discuss their meanings.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have some prior knowledge of folktales from previous lessons or personal experiences.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Folktales from various cultures (texts or excerpts)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper for group work

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review what students know about storytelling and its purpose in different cultures, highlighting how folktales often reflect societal values.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Cultural awareness
• Oral communication

Content

1. Definition of Folktales
   • Folktales are traditional stories passed down through generations, often containing cultural morals, lessons, and entertainment value.
2. Key Features of Folktales
   • Didactic Purpose:
     • Folktales often teach moral lessons or life skills.
     • Example: A story about honesty that illustrates the consequences of lying.
   • Entertainment Value:
     • They are designed to entertain audiences, often featuring magical elements, humor, and adventure.
     • Example: Stories like “Jack and the Beanstalk” that captivate with fantastical elements.
   • Cultural Significance:
     • Folktales reflect the values, beliefs, and customs of a culture. They often incorporate historical context and local traditions.
     • Example: African folktales that convey wisdom and community values.
   • Riddles and Wordplay:
     • Many folktales include riddles or clever wordplay that engage readers and listeners.
     • Example: A folktale that features a character solving a riddle to achieve their goal.
   • Characters and Archetypes:
     • Folktales often include archetypal characters such as heroes, tricksters, and wise elders.
     • Example: The clever fox or the foolish giant found in many stories.
3. Examples of Folktales
   • Discuss specific folktales from different cultures and identify their features:
     • African Folktales: “Anansi the Spider” teaches lessons about wisdom and cleverness.
     • European Folktales: “Cinderella” shows the importance of kindness and resilience.

Evaluation

1. Folktales are stories passed down through _____.
   • a) generations
   • b) books
   • c) newspapers
2. The primary purpose of a didactic folktale is to _____.
   • a) entertain
   • b) teach a lesson
   • c) confuse
3. Folktales often include _____ characters like heroes and tricksters.
   • a) everyday
   • b) archetypal
   • c) fictional
4. An example of an entertaining folktale is _____.
   • a) a textbook
   • b) a story with magical elements
   • c) a news article
5. Riddles in folktales are used to _____ the audience.
   • a) bore
   • b) engage
   • c) confuse
6. Cultural significance in folktales helps to preserve _____.
   • a) history
   • b) boredom
   • c) confusion
7. The character of Anansi is a _____ in many African folktales.
   • a) trickster
   • b) villain
   • c) hero
8. Folktales can teach _____ about values and morals.
   • a) nothing
   • b) lessons
   • c) confusion
9. The story of Cinderella emphasizes the value of _____.
   • a) cruelty
   • b) kindness
   • c) trickery
10. Folktales often use _____ to make them more interesting.
    • a) repetition
    • b) complex words
    • c) simple phrases
11. The clever fox is a common _____ in many folktales.
    • a) villain
    • b) archetype
    • c) character
12. Didactic folktales can sometimes be _____.
    • a) serious
    • b) boring
    • c) irrelevant
13. Wordplay and riddles make folktales _____.
    • a) confusing
    • b) engaging
    • c) uninteresting
14. The trickster character often teaches us about _____.
    • a) honesty
    • b) cleverness
    • c) sadness
15. Folktales are important for preserving _____.
    • a) cultural identity
    • b) confusion
    • c) modern life

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a folktale?
   A folktale is a traditional story passed down through generations, often containing cultural lessons.
2. What are the main purposes of folktales?
   They are meant to entertain, teach morals, and reflect cultural values.
3. How do folktales teach lessons?
   Folktales use characters and events to illustrate important morals and life skills.
4. What is the role of riddles in folktales?
   Riddles engage the audience and challenge them to think critically.
5. Can folktales vary between cultures?
   Yes, folktales can differ significantly and reflect the beliefs of different cultures.
6. What are archetypal characters in folktales?
   Archetypal characters are typical figures, such as heroes and tricksters, commonly found in stories.
7. Why are folktales important?
   They help preserve cultural heritage and teach important life lessons.
8. What is an example of a didactic folktale?
   An example is “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” which teaches about honesty.
9. How does humor play a role in folktales?
   Humor makes folktales entertaining and memorable for audiences.
10. What cultural values can be found in folktales?
    Values such as honesty, bravery, and respect for elders are often highlighted.
11. Are folktales only for children?
    No, folktales can be enjoyed by people of all ages and often contain deeper meanings.
12. What literary devices are common in folktales?
    Common devices include repetition, imagery, and metaphor.
13. How are folktales shared?
    Folktales are often shared orally, through storytelling, or in written form.
14. Can folktales include elements of fantasy?
    Yes, many folktales include magical or fantastical elements.
15. How can we relate folktales to our lives today?
    We can learn from the lessons and morals presented in folktales and apply them to modern situations.

Presentation

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous lesson on features of prose.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the features of folktales, discussing their purpose and significance.
3. Step 3: The teacher facilitates group activities where students create their own folktales, incorporating the discussed features.

Teacher’s Activities

• Guide discussions on the features of folktales.
• Provide examples and encourage student participation.
• Help students brainstorm ideas for their own folktales.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions and share personal experiences with folktales.
• Create their own folktales in groups, applying the learned features.

Assessment

• Evaluate group presentations of their folktales based on the use of key features.
• Collect written folktales for feedback.

Ten Evaluation Questions Related to the Topic

1. What defines a folktale?
2. What are the didactic elements of folktales?
3. Why is entertainment important in folktales?
4. How do riddles enhance a folktale?
5. What cultural aspects can be seen in folktales?
6. Give an example of an archetypal character.
7. How can folktales teach moral lessons?
8. Why is it important to preserve folktales?
9. What literary devices are often found in folktales?
10. How can folktales relate to modern life?

Conclusion

The teacher concludes the lesson by emphasizing the importance of folktales in understanding cultural values and moral lessons. Encourage students to explore folktales from various cultures and reflect on their significance in today’s world.