Differences Between Prose, Drama, and Poetry | JSS 2 Literature Lesson
Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 10
Subject: Literature in English
Class: JSS 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 11 – 13 years
Topic: Differences Between Prose, Drama, and Poetry
Sub-topic: Understanding the Three Major Literary Genres
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define prose, drama, and poetry.
- Identify the key features of each literary genre.
- Differentiate between prose, drama, and poetry with relevant examples.
- Analyze how structure, language, and purpose distinguish these forms of literature.
Keywords
- Prose
- Drama
- Poetry
- Narrative
- Dialogue
- Verse
- Acts and Scenes
Set Induction
The teacher writes three different texts on the board:
- A short paragraph from a story (prose).
- A few lines of dialogue from a play (drama).
- A four-line poem (poetry).
The teacher asks students:
- What is different about these texts?
- Which one looks like a story?
- Which one looks like a poem?
- Which one looks like a play?
This will introduce the topic of literary genres.
Entry Behavior
Students have previously studied prose and drama and are familiar with literary texts.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Whiteboard and markers
- Charts showing differences between prose, drama, and poetry
- Excerpts from literature texts
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have read stories, plays, and poems but may not have compared their structures and features.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical thinking
- Reading and analysis
- Creativity
- Communication
Learning Materials
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Approved JSS 2 Literature in English Textbooks
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 2
- The recommended literature texts for JSS 2
- Online resources on literary genres
Instructional Materials
- Samples of prose, drama, and poetry
- Charts comparing the three genres
- Role-play cards for drama
Lesson Presentation
Step 1: Definition of Prose, Drama, and Poetry
Teacher’s Activities:
- The teacher defines each literary genre:
-
Prose – A written or spoken form of storytelling without a regular rhythm or rhyme.
Example: Chike and the River (a novel by Chinua Achebe). -
Drama – A story written in dialogue and performed by actors.
Example: The Lion and the Jewel (a play by Wole Soyinka). -
Poetry – A form of literature written in lines and stanzas, often with rhythm and rhyme.
Example: “The Proud King” (a poem by William Morris).
Learners’ Activities:
- Students discuss what they understand by prose, drama, and poetry.
Step 2: Differences Between Prose, Drama, and Poetry
Teacher’s Activities:
- The teacher explains the differences using a table:
Feature | Prose | Drama | Poetry |
---|---|---|---|
Structure | Written in paragraphs and chapters | Written in dialogue, acts, and scenes | Written in lines and stanzas |
Use of Dialogue | Some dialogue but mostly narration | Entirely dialogue | Minimal dialogue, uses figures of speech |
Purpose | Tells a story with details | Meant to be performed | Expresses emotions and ideas |
Example | Chike and the River | The Lion and the Jewel | The Proud King |
Learners’ Activities:
- Students copy the table into their notebooks.
Step 3: Examples and Practical Analysis
Teacher’s Activities:
- The teacher provides short excerpts from prose, drama, and poetry.
- The teacher asks students to identify which excerpt is prose, drama, or poetry and explain why.
Learners’ Activities:
- Students analyze and categorize the given texts.
Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank with Options)
-
Prose is written in _____.
a) Stanzas
b) Paragraphs
c) Acts
d) Scenes -
Drama is meant to be _____.
a) Read only
b) Performed
c) Written in books
d) Memorized -
Poetry is written in _____.
a) Paragraphs
b) Dialogue
c) Lines and stanzas
d) Acts and scenes -
An example of prose is _____.
a) Chike and the River
b) The Lion and the Jewel
c) The Proud King
d) Macbeth -
Drama is divided into _____.
a) Chapters
b) Stanzas
c) Acts and scenes
d) Lines and paragraphs
(Continue up to 15 questions)
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)
-
What is prose?
- A form of writing that uses sentences and paragraphs.
-
How is drama different from prose?
- Drama is written in dialogue and meant to be performed.
-
Why does poetry use stanzas instead of paragraphs?
- To create rhythm, rhyme, and emphasis.
-
Can poetry have dialogue?
- Yes, but it is not common.
-
Do all dramas have acts and scenes?
- Yes, most plays are divided into acts and scenes.
(Continue up to 15 FAQs)
Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)
- Define prose in literature.
- Mention two key features of drama.
- How is poetry different from prose?
- Give one example of a dramatic text you have read.
- List three differences between prose and poetry.
(Continue up to 10 questions)
Conclusion
- The teacher summarizes the lesson.
- The teacher asks students to give more examples of each literary genre.
- The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.
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