Exploring Yoruba Folktales: Legends, Myths, and Moral Lessons Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 8

Topic: Introduction to Folktales

Sub-topic: Definition, Types, and Narration of Folktales

Duration: 40 minutes

Age: 12–13 years

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Define folktales and understand their importance in Nigerian culture.
2. Identify different types of folktales.
3. Narrate and understand Nigerian folktales, particularly from the Yoruba tribe.

Keywords:

• Folktale
• Legend
• Myth
• Yoruba
• Narration

Set Induction:

Discuss with students the stories or fairy tales they have heard in their childhood. Ask them if they know about folktales from different cultures.

Entry Behavior:

Students should be familiar with basic storytelling and understand the concept of traditional stories.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Folktale texts (Yoruba tribe)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Folktale charts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have previously learned about various narrative forms. This lesson connects those skills to the traditional stories of different cultures.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Listening skills
• Narrative skills
• Cultural understanding

Learning Materials:

• Yoruba folktales
• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Folktale charts

Instructional Materials:

• Texts of Nigerian folktales
• Whiteboard and markers

Content:

Introduction to Folktales:

Folktales are traditional stories passed down through generations, often orally. They reflect the beliefs, customs, and traditions of a culture. Folktales can include legends, myths, and fables.

Types of Folktales:

1. Legends: Stories based on historical events or figures, often with exaggerated details.
2. Myths: Stories that explain natural phenomena or the origins of cultural practices.
3. Fables: Short tales that teach moral lessons, usually with animals as characters.

Nigerian Folktales (Yoruba Tribe):

1. The Tortoise and the Hare: Once upon a time, there was a tortoise who was very clever but slow. One day, he challenged a hare to a race. The hare, being swift, laughed at the tortoise and agreed. During the race, the hare, confident of winning, stopped to rest. The tortoise continued slowly but steadily. By the time the hare woke up, the tortoise had crossed the finish line. The lesson is that perseverance and steady effort can outmatch speed and overconfidence.
2. The Story of Sango: Sango was a powerful king who could control thunder and lightning. He was known for his strength and justice. One day, he was challenged by his enemies who tried to outwit him. Using his magical powers, Sango defeated them and restored peace. This folktale emphasizes the values of strength, wisdom, and justice.
3. The Clever Maid: There was a maid who was known for her intelligence and resourcefulness. One day, her master gave her a difficult task to complete. Using her wit, the maid solved the problem in an unexpected way that impressed everyone. The story highlights the importance of intelligence and creative thinking.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: Review the previous topic on narrative forms.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Recap different types of stories and their characteristics.
   • Learners’ Activities: Share their understanding of narrative forms.
2. Step 2: Introduce folktales and their significance in culture.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Explain what folktales are and discuss their importance in Nigerian culture, specifically Yoruba.
   • Learners’ Activities: Take notes and ask questions about folktales.
3. Step 3: Narrate and discuss Nigerian folktales.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Tell the selected Yoruba folktales and explain their meanings.
   • Learners’ Activities: Listen, ask questions, and discuss the lessons from the stories.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Introduce folktales and their types.
• Narrate selected Yoruba folktales.
• Facilitate discussion about the stories and their meanings.

Learners’ Activities:

• Engage in listening and discussing the folktales.
• Reflect on the lessons learned from each story.
• Participate in class discussion about the significance of folktales.

Assessment:

1. Evaluation:
   • Write a short summary of one of the folktales discussed.
   • Identify the type of folktale from a given example.
   • Discuss the moral lesson of a chosen folktale.
2. Class Activity Discussion:
   • What makes a folktale different from other stories?
   • How do Yoruba folktales reflect their culture?
   • What are the common themes in the folktales we read today?
3. Evaluation Questions:
   • What is a folktale?
   • Name one type of folktale and describe it.
   • How did the tortoise win the race against the hare?
   • What powers did Sango possess?
   • What lesson can be learned from the Clever Maid story?
   • Why are folktales important in preserving culture?
   • How do folktales reflect societal values?
   • What are the characteristics of a legend?
   • Describe the significance of storytelling in Yoruba culture.
   • How can folktales teach moral lessons?

Conclusion:

The teacher will review the main points about folktales, including their types and significance. Students will be assessed on their understanding of the folktales and their ability to discuss the lessons learned.

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