Review and Revision History Primary 5 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 1

There’s something special about that very first History class after a long term break. The moment I step into my Primary 5 classroom, the noise level instantly drops, and I’m met with eager faces — some freshly braided, some with uniforms a size too small after the holidays, and all bubbling with stories of what they did at home.

Last term, for instance, one of my pupils, Farouk, told me he visited Badagry with his uncle. He excitedly described the old slave chains he saw and how a tour guide mentioned Mungo Park. I could tell right away that the history lessons we had the term before left an impression on him. Moments like that are the reason I love teaching History. It’s not just about dates and facts — it’s about building a bridge between the past and the world my pupils live in today.

I always start the third term with a Resumption Test. Not just for grading, but to measure what knowledge has stuck with them after weeks of playing football, hawking groundnuts, and visiting relatives in the village. And trust me, some of the answers you get during these tests will either make you laugh or marvel at their creativity.

Let me share with you how I structure my first History lesson for the term and why this resumption test is such an important part of it.

History Primary 5 Third Term Lesson Notes – Week 1

Subject: History
Class: Primary 5
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Topic: Resumption Test
Duration: 45 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain what a resumption test is and why schools conduct it.

2. Recall important topics learned in History from the previous term.

3. Identify important Nigerian historical figures and events.

Key Vocabulary Words

• Resumption

• History

• Heritage

• Tradition

• Artifact

Learning Resources and Materials

• Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for History

• Approved History textbooks

• Picture charts of historical figures and monuments

• Whiteboard and markers

• Pupils’ notebooks

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

I usually start this first History class of the term by asking, “Who missed school over the break?” Almost every hand flies up with excitement. Then I follow up with, “What do you remember about the last topic we did in History before the holiday?” It’s always heartwarming to hear them mention things like Mungo Park, colonial masters, or Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Before I even mention anything academic, I always ask: “Who can remind me what we learnt in History before the holidays?”

You’d be amazed. One pupil might shout, “Independence!” while another says, “Lord Lugard!” and there’s always one child who confidently screams “Eyo Festival!” even if it wasn’t part of our curriculum.

These spontaneous responses not only tell me what they remember but reveal what fascinated them most. I remember a time last year when Bola, one of my sharpest pupils, told the whole class that Nigeria gained independence in 1963. When I asked why, she said, “That’s when Nigeria became a Republic.” She was right in a way, and it opened the door for a lovely classroom discussion about the difference between independence and becoming a republic.

This creates an easy bridge back into the subject while reviving pupils’ interest.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking

• Communication

• Observation

Content

What is History?
History is the study of past events and important people in a country or community.

Why do we learn History?
We learn History so we can understand our heritage, respect the struggles of those before us, and appreciate where we come from.

What is a Resumption Test?
A resumption test is a simple assessment teachers give when pupils return to school after a break. It helps find out how much pupils remember from the previous term and gets them ready for new topics.

Important Topics Pupils Should Recall

• Names of early explorers (like Mungo Park)

• Nigeria’s independence and the flag colors

• Early trade systems in Nigeria (like barter trade)

• Major Nigerian festivals and cultural practices

• First schools and churches in Nigeria

Sample Class Discussion Questions

• Who can name any two important people from Nigeria’s history?

• What year did Nigeria gain independence?

• Can you mention any festival celebrated in Nigeria?

• Who was Lord Lugard?

Sample Evaluation Questions (Multiple Choice)

1. What is the study of past events called?
   a) Geography
   b) History
   c) Mathematics
   d) English

2. Who was Mungo Park?
   a) A footballer
   b) An explorer
   c) A teacher
   d) A trader

3. Nigeria gained independence in _____.
   a) 1960
   b) 2000
   c) 1980
   d) 1900

4. What is the name of Nigeria’s national flag color?
   a) Green and yellow
   b) Green and white
   c) Red and blue
   d) Yellow and black

5. The system of exchange used in early Nigeria was called _____.
   a) Modern trade
   b) Barter trade
   c) Banking trade
   d) Digital trade

Presentation Steps

Step 1:
Teacher revises the last topics discussed before the break by asking pupils simple recall questions.

Step 2:
Teacher explains what a resumption test is and why it’s important for both the teacher and pupils.

Step 3:
Teacher allows pupils to share what they remember about Nigerian history, correcting errors gently and guiding their understanding.

Teacher’s Activities

• Ask open-ended recall questions

• Write key points on the board

• Show pictures or charts of historical figures

• Conduct the resumption test

Learners’ Activities

• Answer questions

• Share personal memories of past history lessons

• Observe displayed images

• Write the resumption test

Assessment

• Evaluate pupils’ participation during discussion

• Mark resumption test scripts

• Provide corrections and feedback

Evaluation Questions (Short Answer)

1. What is History?

2. Why do we study History?

3. Who was Mungo Park?

4. When did Nigeria gain independence?

5. Name two colors of Nigeria’s flag.

6. What type of trade system was used in olden days?

7. Mention one famous Nigerian festival.

8. What do we call the test we take after resumption?

9. Who was Lord Lugard?

10. Name one traditional ruler you know.

Conclusion

Teacher goes around to mark pupils’ work, discusses the test results, and revisits any areas where pupils struggled.