Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 8

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 8

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Elements of Prose (Setting, Plot, and Theme)

Sub-topic: Understanding the Roles of Setting, Plot, and Theme in Prose

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define setting, plot, and theme in prose literature.
2. Explain the importance of these elements in a story.
3. Identify the setting, plot, and theme in a given prose text.
4. Provide examples of each element from their recommended literature texts.

Keywords

• Setting
• Plot
• Theme
• Narrative
• Protagonist
• Conflict

Set Induction

The teacher tells a short, simple story without mentioning where it happened, what the problem was, or the main idea. Then, the teacher asks:

• Where do you think the story happened? (Setting)
• What was the main event in the story? (Plot)
• What lesson can we learn from the story? (Theme)

This will lead to a discussion on the elements of prose.

Entry Behavior

Students have previously studied types of prose (e.g., novel, short story, novella).

Learning Resources and Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with definitions and examples
• Excerpts from the recommended prose text

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have read prose stories but may not have analyzed them based on setting, plot, and theme.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Literary analysis
• Communication
• Creativity

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 analysis

Instructional Materials

• Charts showing plot structures
• Posters defining setting, plot, and theme
• Excerpts from novels and short stories

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definitions and Explanation of Elements of Prose

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher defines and explains each element:

1. Setting – The time and place where a story happens. It includes:

   • Physical location (village, city, school, forest)
   • Time period (past, present, future)
   • Atmosphere (happy, sad, scary)

   Example: The setting of Chike and the River is Nigeria, in the town of Onitsha.

2. Plot – The sequence of events that make up a story. It follows a structure:

   • Exposition: Introduction of characters and setting.
   • Rising Action: The conflict or problem begins.
   • Climax: The most intense moment.
   • Falling Action: The conflict begins to resolve.
   • Resolution: The story ends.

   Example: In Chike and the River, the plot follows Chike’s journey to cross the Niger River.

3. Theme – The central idea or lesson in a story. Common themes include:

   • Love
   • Betrayal
   • Hard work
   • Justice

   Example: The theme of The Passport of Mallam Ilia is revenge and justice.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students copy the definitions and examples.
• Students suggest other examples from books they have read.

Step 2: Importance of Setting, Plot, and Theme

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher explains why these elements are important:
  • Setting helps readers visualize the story.
  • Plot gives structure and makes the story interesting.
  • Theme teaches lessons and gives meaning to the story.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students explain why they think setting, plot, and theme are important in stories.

Step 3: Identifying Setting, Plot, and Theme in a Prose Text

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher reads a short excerpt from the recommended prose text and asks students to:
  • Identify the setting.
  • Summarize the plot.
  • State the theme.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students analyze the text and discuss their answers in groups.

Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank with Options)

1. The setting of a story refers to its _____.
   a) Plot
   b) Time and place
   c) Ending
   d) Theme

2. The sequence of events in a story is called the _____.
   a) Theme
   b) Plot
   c) Conflict
   d) Mood

3. A theme is the _____ in a story.
   a) Lesson or message
   b) Number of characters
   c) Number of pages
   d) Introduction

4. The climax of a story is the _____.
   a) Funniest moment
   b) Most exciting or intense moment
   c) Boring part
   d) First event

5. The final part of a plot structure is called the _____.
   a) Climax
   b) Falling action
   c) Resolution
   d) Rising action

(Continue up to 15 questions)

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

1. What is the difference between setting and plot?

   • Setting is where and when the story happens, while plot is what happens in the story.

2. Can a story have more than one theme?

   • Yes, some stories have multiple themes.

3. Why is the plot important?

   • It keeps the story organized and engaging.

4. Does the setting affect the plot?

   • Yes, the setting can influence the story’s events.

5. How can I identify the theme of a story?

   • Look at the lessons the characters learn.

(Continue up to 15 FAQs)

Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)

1. Define setting.
2. What are the five parts of a plot?
3. Give one example of a theme in a story.
4. How does the setting influence a story?
5. Identify the theme in this sentence: “Hard work leads to success.”

(Continue up to 10 questions)

Conclusion

• The teacher summarizes the lesson.
• The teacher asks students to analyze their favorite books based on setting, plot, and theme.
• The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.