Subject: Literature in English
Class: JSS 1
Term: Second Term
Duration: 45 Minutes
Topic: African Tales – Themes and Features
Sub-topic: Meaning, Themes, and Features of African Tales
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Explain the meaning of African tales.
Identify common themes in African tales.
State and explain the features of African tales.
Give examples of African tales they have heard or read.
Entry Behaviour
Students have heard stories from elders, parents, or teachers.
Instructional Materials
Recommended Literature textbook
Chalkboard / Whiteboard
Pictures or illustrations of animals (tortoise, lion, hare, etc.)
Oral storytelling examples
Reference Materials
Recommended JSS 1 Literature Texts
Teacher’s guide on African Oral Literature
Introduction (5 Minutes)
The teacher begins by asking students:
“Who has heard a story from their grandmother or parents before?”
“Can you mention any story about Tortoise or other animals?”
Teacher explains that such stories are called African tales, which are part of African oral literature.
Meaning of African Tales (5 Minutes)
African tales are traditional stories passed down orally from generation to generation in African societies. They are told mainly to teach moral lessons, entertain, and preserve African culture.
They include:
Folktales
Animal tales
Myths and legends
Themes of African Tales (15 Minutes)
Theme is the main idea or lesson in a story.
Common themes in African tales include:
Wisdom and Cleverness
Example: Tortoise often uses wisdom to solve problems.
Greed and Its Consequences
Greedy characters usually suffer in the end.
Honesty and Truthfulness
Honest characters are rewarded.
Punishment for Bad Behaviour
Evil actions are punished.
Hard Work
Hard work leads to success.
Respect for Elders
Elders are wise and should be respected.
Justice and Fairness
Good triumphs over evil.
Features of African Tales (15 Minutes)
Features are the characteristics that make African tales unique.
Oral Tradition
They are told by word of mouth.
Use of Animals as Characters
Animals behave like humans (e.g., Tortoise, Lion).
Moral Lessons
Each story teaches a lesson.
Simple Language
Easy and clear language.
Cultural Elements
Reflect African customs, beliefs, and traditions.
Songs and Repetition
Songs and repeated lines make the story interesting.
Short and Entertaining
Stories are usually brief and enjoyable.
Class Activities (3 Minutes)
Students mention African tales they know.
Students identify the theme of a familiar tale.
Summary (2 Minutes)
The teacher revises:
Meaning of African tales
Common themes
Features of African tales
Evaluation (3 Minutes)
What is an African tale?
Mention three themes of African tales.
State three features of African tales.
Name one African tale you know.
Assignment
Write a short African tale you know and state:
The theme
One lesson from the story