Class: Primary 5
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Average Age: 10 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Early Christian Missionaries
Content/Learning Area: Early Christian missionaries e.g., Mary Slessor, Bishop Ajayi Crowther, Henry Townsend, Thomas Birch Freeman, Samuel Bill, and others
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Mention seven early Christian missionaries and their contributions to Christianity in Nigeria.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the sacrifices made by early Christian missionaries.
- Psychomotor Domain: Write a short note on one early Christian missionary.
- Social Domain: Discuss how the actions of early missionaries influence modern-day values.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the following materials:
- Flashcards with names of missionaries and their contributions.
- Pictures of early Christian missionaries.
- A timeline chart of Christian missionary activities.
- The Bible.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Nigerian 9–Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Relevant Textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the contributions of early Christian missionaries helps pupils appreciate the development of Christianity in Nigeria and its influence on moral and social values.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about the origin of Christianity in Nigeria and can identify some key events that led to its spread.
Lesson Content
Early Christian Missionaries
Christianity spread in Nigeria through the work of devoted missionaries. These missionaries dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel, building schools, and promoting social change. Below are notable early Christian missionaries:
Mary Slessor (1848–1915)
Mary Slessor was a Scottish missionary who became famous for her work in Calabar. She stopped the killing of twins and cared for orphaned children. Her courage and dedication saved many lives.
Bishop Ajayi Crowther (1809–1891)
Ajayi Crowther was the first African bishop in the Anglican Church. He translated the Bible into Yoruba and was instrumental in promoting education and Christianity in Nigeria.
Henry Townsend (1815–1886)
Henry Townsend was a British missionary who brought the first printing press to Nigeria. He also published the first Yoruba newspaper, which helped in the spread of Christianity and education.
Thomas Birch Freeman (1809–1890)
Thomas Birch Freeman was an English missionary who spread Christianity in Abeokuta and other parts of southwestern Nigeria. He also helped establish schools and churches.
Samuel Bill (1864–1942)
Samuel Bill founded the Qua Iboe Church in southeastern Nigeria. He also established schools that contributed to the spread of education in the region.
James Frederick Schön (1872–1942)
James Frederick Schön was a German missionary who worked in the northern parts of Nigeria. He made significant contributions to education and social development in the region.
Reverend Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1809–1891)
Reverend Samuel Ajayi Crowther is recognized for his translation of the Bible into Yoruba and other works that helped in the establishment of Christian institutions in Nigeria.
Mary Kingsley (1862–1900)
Mary Kingsley was a British explorer and missionary who contributed to the establishment of Christianity in the eastern parts of Nigeria. She is known for her courage in exploring areas that were considered inaccessible at the time.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods:
Discussion, lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction (Set Induction) | 5 mins | Set Induction | The teacher asks pupils to recall what they learned about the origin of Christianity in Nigeria. | Pupils respond by sharing prior knowledge about Christianity. | Connecting to prior knowledge. |
| Step 2: Identifying Missionaries | 10 mins | Storytelling & Visual Aids | The teacher introduces seven early missionaries using flashcards and tells brief stories about them. | Pupils listen attentively and ask questions. | Names and roles of missionaries. |
| Step 3: Explaining Contributions | 10 mins | Guided Discussion | The teacher explains the contributions of Mary Slessor, Ajayi Crowther, Henry Townsend, etc. | Pupils take notes and participate in the discussion. | Understanding missionaries’ impact. |
| Step 4: Note Taking | 5 mins | Direct Instruction | The teacher dictates and guides pupils to copy notes into their books. | Pupils copy the note neatly into their books. | Reinforcement through writing. |
| Step 5: Evaluation | 5 mins | Individual Response | The teacher asks questions to test pupils’ understanding of the topic. | Pupils answer questions orally or in writing. | Assessment of comprehension. |
| Step 6: Conclusion | 5 mins | Class Discussion | The teacher recaps key points and links them to modern values like selflessness. | Pupils share what they learned and ask final questions. | Consolidation of learning. |
Lesson Keywords
- Missionaries – people sent by a church to spread Christianity.
- Contribution – the positive impact made by individuals.
- Translation – the process of converting words from one language to another.
- Education – the process of teaching and learning.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- List seven early Christian missionaries.
- Mention one contribution of Bishop Ajayi Crowther.
- Why is Mary Slessor remembered in Nigeria?
- Write a short note on any one missionary.
- How do the actions of these missionaries influence our lives today?
Assignment/Homework
Write a short essay on how the contributions of one missionary have influenced Christianity in Nigeria.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide extra time for note-taking and offer additional support during discussions.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research more missionaries and their contributions to Christianity in Nigeria.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use flashcards, pictures, and storytelling to enhance understanding.
Note for Teachers
Ensure that pupils actively participate during the lesson by asking them to share their thoughts and ask questions. Use the pictures and flashcards to make the topic relatable and engaging for pupils. Happy teaching!