Revision of First Term’s Work: Key Historical Events in Nigeria
Week 1: Welcome to Test / Revision of First Term’s Work
Subject: History
Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Age: 9–10 years
Topic: Revision of First Term’s Work
Sub-topic: Major Historical Events in Nigeria
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Recall key topics learned in the previous term.
- Identify and explain the major historical events covered in the first term.
Keywords:
- History
- Revision
- Test
- Historical events
- National holidays
Set Induction:
To kickstart the lesson, the teacher will ask the students:
- “What did you enjoy learning in History last term?”
- “Can you name any important national holiday or historical event from last term’s lessons?”
The teacher will encourage students to share their thoughts, promoting a discussion to stir curiosity and re-engage them with previous topics.
Entry Behavior:
Students are already familiar with the basic concepts of Nigerian history from the previous term, including key figures, important dates, and major historical events.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- History textbooks
- Previous lesson notes from the first term
- Blackboard/Whiteboard and markers
- Flashcards with key events and dates
- A map of Nigeria (to reference historical events geographically)
Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher will help the students recall key events from the first term, such as:
- Nigeria’s Independence Day
- The role of Nnamdi Azikiwe in Nigerian history
- The importance of national holidays (e.g., Democracy Day, Workers’ Day)
Students will connect these events to their lives and the impact these events have had on modern Nigeria. The teacher will link this understanding to the revision of major events to reinforce their historical importance.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical Thinking: Identifying and recalling major historical events and understanding their significance.
- Communication: Discussing and sharing ideas clearly with peers during the revision session.
- Collaboration: Working together as a class to recall facts and discuss important historical events.
Learning Materials:
- Textbooks
- Flashcards
- Historical timeline chart
- A Nigerian map highlighting important historical locations
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- History for Nigerian Primary Schools
- History of Nigeria by C. O. Aderinto
Instructional Materials:
- Whiteboard
- Markers
- Flashcards with key events and names
- Projector or printed materials showing Nigeria’s history (if available)
Content:
Definition and Explanation of the Topic:
The topic “Revision of First Term’s Work” covers a review of the key historical events, figures, and celebrations that were studied in the first term. The focus is on major historical moments and individuals that shaped Nigeria’s journey.
- Nigeria’s Independence (1960): Nigeria became independent from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Role: As Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe played a major role in the country’s struggle for independence.
- National Holidays: Key holidays like Independence Day (October 1) and Democracy Day (May 29), marking the country’s democratic governance.
- National Heroes: The contributions of figures like Obafemi Awolowo, Sani Abacha, and others who contributed to Nigeria’s growth.
- The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): A major conflict that shaped the country’s history, fought between the federal government and secessionist forces in Biafra.
Five Key Examples of Historical Events:
- Nigeria’s Independence in 1960: Nigeria gained freedom from British rule.
- The Creation of Nigeria’s National Holidays: Events like Democracy Day were created to celebrate important moments in Nigeria’s history.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Presidency: Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first president, an important figure in the country’s post-independence history.
- The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): The conflict between the government and Biafran secessionists is a crucial historical event.
- The Role of National Heroes in Shaping Nigeria’s Identity: Heroes such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo helped establish modern Nigeria.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Revision:
- Teacher writes key historical events on the board (e.g., Independence, Nigerian Civil War) and explains them briefly to refresh students’ memory.
- Teacher gives examples of national heroes and historical events, elaborating on their significance in shaping Nigeria today.
- Engagement:
- Teacher asks students to share their favorite historical event or person from last term’s lessons.
- Teacher guides the discussion by correcting any misconceptions and providing further explanations.
- Recap with Visuals:
- Teacher uses flashcards with dates and events for the students to match. For example, the flashcard might show “1960” and students will write “Nigeria’s Independence” on the board.
- Teacher will also show a map of Nigeria and point out where major events occurred (e.g., Biafra, Lagos).
- Interactive Questioning:
- Teacher asks: “Who can explain what happened on October 1st, 1960?”
- Teacher invites students to answer questions, correcting them as needed.
Learners’ Activities:
- Engage in the Revision:
- Students participate in the revision by answering questions, sharing their thoughts, and recalling key events from last term.
- Students raise hands and contribute when asked about events such as Nigeria’s Independence or the Nigerian Civil War.
- Collaborative Learning:
- Students discuss historical events with their classmates and work together to match flashcards with the correct event.
- Some students volunteer to explain key events, while others ask questions.
Evaluation Questions (Short Answer Questions):
- When did Nigeria gain independence from Britain?
- Who was Nigeria’s first President?
- What is the significance of May 29th in Nigeria?
- Name one Nigerian hero who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
- What major conflict occurred in Nigeria between 1967-1970?
- What event is celebrated every year on October 1st?
- Why is Nnamdi Azikiwe an important figure in Nigerian history?
- What is the purpose of Democracy Day in Nigeria?
- Where did the Nigerian Civil War mainly take place?
- Who was Obafemi Awolowo and what was his role in Nigeria’s history?
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (with Options):
- Nigeria became independent in __________.
a) 1960
b) 1970
c) 1980
d) 1950 - The first President of Nigeria was __________.
a) Obafemi Awolowo
b) Sani Abacha
c) Nnamdi Azikiwe
d) Muhammadu Buhari - __________ Day marks Nigeria’s return to democracy.
a) Independence
b) Labour
c) Democracy
d) Christmas - The Nigerian Civil War occurred between __________ and __________.
a) 1960, 1970
b) 1967, 1970
c) 1975, 1980
d) 1965, 1975 - __________ is celebrated every year on October 1st.
a) Independence Day
b) Labour Day
c) Christmas Day
d) New Year’s Day
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers):
- What is the significance of Nigeria’s Independence?
- Nigeria’s Independence Day marks the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of Nigeria’s self-governance.
- Who was Nnamdi Azikiwe and why is he important?
- Nnamdi Azikiwe was Nigeria’s first President and one of the key leaders in Nigeria’s fight for independence.
- Why do we celebrate Democracy Day in Nigeria?
- Democracy Day marks the day Nigeria returned to civilian rule after years of military dictatorship.
- What caused the Nigerian Civil War?
- The war was caused by tensions between the Nigerian government and the southeastern region (Biafra), which wanted to secede.
- How does the Civil War affect Nigeria today?
- The Civil War led to significant loss of life and created long-lasting divisions in Nigerian society.
Conclusion:
The teacher will conclude the lesson by summarizing the key points discussed. The teacher will circulate the class, providing feedback based on student responses. Areas of confusion will be clarified, and the teacher will encourage students to continue thinking about Nigeria’s historical events as they progress through the term.