Lesson Plan on Marriage – Definition, Types & Customs (Basic 3)

Class: Primary 3

Term: 1st Term

Week: 3

Age: 8 years

Duration: 40 minutes

Date:

Subject: National Values Education

Curriculum Theme: Social Studies

Topic: Marriage Customs

Content:

Definition of marriage

Types of marriage

Customs and beliefs in marriage

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

• Define Marriage:
• Identify Types of Marriage
• List types various types of marriage
• Understand Customs and Beliefs in Marriage:
• List and explain at least 3 customs and beliefs associated with marriage in different cultures.

Reference Materials:

• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks (List your relevant textbook here)

Instructional Materials:

• Pictures of various marriage customs
• Chalkboard/whiteboard and markers
• Notebooks and pens

Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding marriage customs is crucial as it helps pupils appreciate diverse cultural practices and the importance of family life in society.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils are expected to have a basic understanding of family life and community.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

Content Development: Marriage Customs

Note: (This note is detailed for the teacher’s use, highlight the key points for pupils to copy and not the entire text.)

Definition of Marriage:

Marriage is a formal union between individuals, typically recognized by law, in which they become partners for life. It involves emotional, social, and legal aspects. It can also be said to be the lawful union of a man and a woman by which they become husband and wife.

Types of Marriage:

There are different types of marriage, including;

• Monogamous Marriage: This is the most common form of marriage, where one person is married to another person. In monogamous marriages, individuals commit to one partner and do not have multiple spouses simultaneously.
• Polygamous Marriage: Polygamy is a type of marriage in which one person is married to multiple spouses at the same time. There are two subtypes of polygamous marriage:
  • Polygyny: This is when a man is married to multiple wives simultaneously.
  • Polyandry: This is when a woman is married to multiple husbands simultaneously.
• Same-Sex Marriage: In some countries, same-sex marriages are legally recognized, allowing individuals of the same gender to marry. (Taboo, considered unlawful or abominable)

Customs and Beliefs in Marriage:

• Wedding Ceremonies: Different cultures have unique wedding ceremonies with various rituals. For example, in some cultures, the bride and groom exchange vows and rings during a church wedding, while in others, traditional ceremonies involve dances, songs, and the exchange of gifts.
• Bride Price/Dowry: In some societies, the groom is required to pay a bride price or dowry to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and commitment. This practice varies in form and significance across cultures.
• Traditional Attire: Many cultures have specific traditional attire or garments that the bride and groom wear during the wedding. These garments often have cultural and symbolic significance.
• Religious Customs: Marriage customs often have religious elements. For instance, in Christian weddings, there may be prayers, blessings, and the reading of Bible verses. In Hindu weddings, customs like circling the sacred fire are observed.
• Superstitions and Beliefs: Some cultures believe in certain superstitions, such as carrying the bride over the threshold or avoiding seeing the bride in her dress before the ceremony. These are thought to bring good luck.
• Celebrations and Feasting: Wedding customs usually involve celebrations and feasting with family and friends. The type of food, music, and dances may vary based on cultural traditions.
• Traditional Roles and Responsibilities: In many societies, there are traditional roles and responsibilities assigned to the bride, groom, and their families. For example, the father of the bride often has specific duties during the wedding.
• Symbolic Gestures: There are often symbolic gestures in wedding customs, such as the lighting of a unity candle to signify the joining of two lives, or the breaking of a glass in Jewish weddings to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Evaluation:

1. What is marriage?
2. Name two types of marriage.
3. Mention one custom or belief associated with marriage.

Note to Teachers:

Feel free to customize the lesson content, teaching methods, and pupil activities to suit your teaching style, curriculum, and available resources. Ensure that the pupils understand the diverse cultural aspects of marriage customs. Encourage active participation and questions during the discussion.