Lesson Plan on Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance
Subject:
Cultural and Creative Arts
Class:
Basic 4
Term:
Second Term
Week:
Week 3
Age:
8–9 years
Topic:
Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance
Sub-Topic:
Identifying and exploring the characteristics of traditional dances from various Nigerian tribes.
Duration:
40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify traditional dances in Nigeria.
- State the features of specific traditional dances in Nigeria.
- Participate in a traditional dance from a selected Nigerian culture.
Keywords:
- Traditional
- Dance
- Features
- Culture
- Heritage
Set Induction:
The teacher plays a short video showcasing Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa traditional dances.
Entry Behavior:
Pupils are familiar with some Nigerian tribes and their cultural practices.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Pictures and videos of Nigerian traditional dances.
- Audio recordings of traditional Nigerian music.
- Costumes and instruments used in traditional dances.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher asks pupils to name a Nigerian tribe they know and any cultural practices they are familiar with.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and collaboration
- Creativity and imagination
- Citizenship and leadership skills
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Approved Cultural and Creative Arts textbooks
Instructional Materials:
- Pictures of traditional dancers in costumes
- Traditional musical instruments (e.g., Bata drum, Ekwe, Kakaki trumpet)

Content:
Definition of Traditional Dance:
Traditional dance refers to a type of dance that reflects the culture, traditions, and heritage of a particular group of people. It is often performed during cultural events, festivals, and celebrations.
Features of Nigerian Traditional Dances:
- Yoruba Traditional Dance:
- Intricate steps and body movements.
- Colorful costumes and accessories.
- Accompanied by instruments like Bata drum, Gangan, and Shekere.
- Example: Gelede Dance celebrates the importance of women in society.
- Igbo Traditional Dance:
- Energetic and rhythmic movements.
- Traditional instruments include Udu drum, Ekwe, and Ogene.
- Example: Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri Dance performed during harvest celebrations.
- Hausa Traditional Dance:
- Graceful and flowing movements.
- Music played with instruments like Kakaki trumpet, Goge, and Kalangu.
- Example: Kamu Dance performed during weddings.
- Tiv Traditional Dance:
- Lively and joyful steps.
- Use of colorful costumes and masks representing ancestors.
- Example: Yan Tan Dance.
- Fulani Traditional Dance:
- Reflects courage and strength.
- Accompanied by traditional costumes and drums.
- Example: Sharo Dance performed during festivals.
Examples of Traditional Dances:
- Gelede Dance (Yoruba)
- Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri Dance (Igbo)
- Kamu Dance (Hausa)
- Yan Tan Dance (Tiv)
- Sharo Dance (Fulani)
Evaluation:
15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:
- The Gelede dance is performed by the __________ people.
a) Hausa b) Igbo c) Yoruba d) Fulani
- The dance used to celebrate the harvest season in Igbo culture is __________.
a) Kamu b) Bata c) Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri d) Yan Tan
- __________ is a traditional dance performed during Yoruba cultural events.
a) Eyo b) Bata c) Sharo d) Atilogwu
- The __________ dance is popular among the Tiv people.
a) Gelede b) Yan Tan c) Kamu d) Atilogwu
- Traditional Hausa music often features the __________ instrument.
a) Gangan b) Kakaki c) Ekwe d) Shekere
- The Yoruba people perform __________ to honor women’s importance.
a) Atilogwu b) Kamu c) Gelede d) Sharo
- The Igbo traditional dance that uses the Udu drum is __________.
a) Yan Tan b) Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri c) Eyo d) Kamu
- __________ dance features costumes representing ancestors.
a) Bata b) Yan Tan c) Sharo d) Eyo
- The Fulani perform __________ to showcase strength and courage.
a) Yan Tan b) Kamu c) Sharo d) Bata
- The __________ people are known for the Atilogwu dance.
a) Igbo b) Hausa c) Yoruba d) Tiv
- The instrument used in Yoruba dances includes __________.
a) Kakaki b) Gangan c) Ekwe d) Ogene
- The Eyo dance is associated with the __________ people.
a) Lagos b) Tiv c) Fulani d) Hausa
- The __________ dance celebrates women in Yoruba society.
a) Yan Tan b) Gelede c) Kamu d) Bata
- __________ is a traditional Igbo dance.
a) Eyo b) Sharo c) Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri d) Bata
- The Sharo dance is known for its __________ movements.
a) Graceful b) Energetic c) Courageous d) Colorful
15 FAQs with Answers:
- What is traditional dance?
Traditional dance reflects a group’s culture and heritage.
- Which tribe performs the Gelede dance?
The Yoruba tribe.
- What instrument is used in Hausa traditional dances?
The Kakaki trumpet.
- What does the Yan Tan dance represent?
It represents joy and ancestor spirits.
- Who performs the Kamu dance?
The Hausa people.
- What is the significance of the Atilogwu dance?
It celebrates Igbo festivals and culture.
- What instrument is common in Yoruba music?
The Bata drum.
- What is the Sharo dance known for?
Courage and strength.
- Which tribe celebrates the Agbacha-ekuru-na-eri dance?
The Igbo.
- What do masks in Tiv dances represent?
Ancestor spirits.
- Which dance honors women in Yoruba culture?
The Gelede dance.
- Which tribe is associated with the Yan Tan dance?
The Tiv people.
- What is unique about Fulani traditional dances?
They showcase strength and courage.
- Why are traditional dances important?
They preserve cultural heritage.
- What is the Eyo dance?
A traditional Lagos dance celebrating important events.
Evaluation Questions (Short Answers):
- Name two traditional dances in Nigeria.
- Which dance celebrates women in Yoruba society?
- What instrument is used in Igbo traditional dances?
- Which dance is performed during Hausa weddings?
- What is the significance of the Yan Tan dance?
- Name the dance performed during Igbo harvest celebrations.
- What is unique about the Fulani Sharo dance?
- Which dance is popular among the Tiv people?
- Name a musical instrument used in Yoruba traditional dances.
- Why is it important to learn about traditional dances?
Conclusion:
The teacher summarizes the lesson and highlights the importance of cultural diversity. Pupils share their thoughts, and the teacher provides feedback on class activities.