Functions/Roles of Extended Family Members – Basic 3 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

1. ROLES OF GRANDPARENTS

GRANDFATHER’S ROLES:

• Family head: Makes important family decisions
• Wise advisor: Gives advice to younger family members
• Storyteller: Tells children stories about family history
• Teacher: Teaches children good behavior and traditions
• Protector: Blesses and protects the family
• Peacemaker: Settles family disputes and problems

GRANDMOTHER’S ROLES:

• Care giver: Takes care of grandchildren when parents are busy
• Teacher: Teaches girls how to cook and keep house
• Storyteller: Tells folktales and moral stories
• Advisor: Gives advice on family matters
• Comforter: Comforts family members when they are sad
• Keeper of traditions: Teaches cultural practices

Example: Mama Kemi (grandmother) takes care of her grandchildren after school. She teaches them to respect elders and tells them stories about their ancestors.

1. ROLES OF UNCLES

UNCLE’S ROLES:

• Second father: Acts like a father when the real father is not around
• Provider: Helps provide money and food for the family
• Teacher: Teaches nephews and nieces life skills
• Protector: Protects and defends family members
• Advisor: Gives guidance to children and young adults
• Disciplinarian: Corrects children when they misbehave

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

• Help pay school fees for nephews and nieces
• Teach boys how to be responsible men
• Support the family during difficult times
• Attend important family ceremonies
• Help settle family problems

Example: Uncle Bode pays for his nephew’s school uniform when the boy’s father cannot afford it. He also teaches his nephew how to repair bicycles.

1. ROLES OF AUNTS

AUNT’S ROLES:

• Second mother: Acts like a mother when needed
• Teacher: Teaches nieces domestic skills
• Advisor: Gives advice especially to girls
• Caregiver: Takes care of children when parents travel
• Counselor: Helps solve personal problems
• Support system: Provides emotional support

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

• Teach girls how to cook, clean, and take care of babies
• Help prepare girls for marriage
• Take care of children when mother is sick
• Provide clothes and other needs for nieces and nephews
• Attend school meetings when parents cannot go

Example: Aunty Rose teaches her niece how to braid hair and cook soup. When her niece has problems at school, she listens and gives good advice.

1. ROLES OF COUSINS

COUSIN’S ROLES:

• Playmates: Play together and have fun
• Study partners: Help each other with homework
• Companions: Keep each other company
• Supporters: Help and encourage each other
• Friends: Share secrets and experiences
• Protectors: Defend each other from bullies

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

• Share toys and games
• Walk to school together
• Help each other learn new things
• Take care of younger cousins
• Share food and snacks

Example: Tolu and his cousin Emeka walk to school together every day. They help each other with mathematics homework and share their lunch.

1. ROLES OF IN-LAWS

BROTHER-IN-LAW’S ROLES:

• Support his sister-in-law’s family
• Help with family decisions
• Provide assistance during emergencies
• Participate in family ceremonies

SISTER-IN-LAW’S ROLES:

• Help with household chores
• Take care of children
• Support during childbirth
• Assist with cooking for ceremonies

1. GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF EXTENDED FAMILY

ECONOMIC SUPPORT:

• Share money for family needs
• Help pay for school fees
• Provide food during hard times
• Share transportation costs

SOCIAL SUPPORT:

• Attend family celebrations
• Support during funerals
• Help during sickness
• Participate in naming ceremonies

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT:

• Help children with homework
• Teach traditional skills
• Share knowledge and experience
• Guide career choices

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

• Provide love and care
• Comfort during sad times
• Celebrate achievements together
• Give encouragement

CULTURAL PRESERVATION:

• Teach traditional dances
• Pass on cultural values
• Tell traditional stories
• Maintain family customs

CLASS EXERCISES

1. List 3 roles of a grandfather:
2. List 3 roles of a grandmother:
3. Fill in the blanks:

• An uncle acts as a _______ father to his nephews
• An aunt teaches her nieces how to _______ and _______
• Cousins are _______ and study partners
• Grandparents give _______ to younger family members

4. True or False:

• Uncles help pay school fees for their nephews: _____
• Aunts only take care of boys: _____
• Cousins help each other with homework: _____
• Grandparents settle family disputes: _____

5. Match the family member to their role:

• Grandfather → Tells stories and gives advice
• Uncle → _______
• Aunt → _______
• Cousin → _______

6. Choose the correct answer: Who teaches girls domestic skills? a) Uncle b) Aunt c) Cousin

Who acts as second father? a) Grandfather b) Uncle c) Cousin

Who are your playmates in the family? a) Grandparents b) Aunts c) Cousins

7. Complete these sentences:

• When my parents travel, my _______ takes care of me
• My _______ teaches me traditional stories
• My _______ helps me with my homework
• My _______ gives me advice when I have problems

8. Name the extended family member who:

• Settles family disputes: _______
• Teaches boys to be responsible: _______
• Takes care of grandchildren: _______
• Helps during school meetings: _______

9. List 3 ways extended family provides support:

1. Economic support: _______
2. Social support: _______
3. Educational support: _______

10. Answer these questions about your extended family:

• What does your grandfather do for the family? _______
• How does your grandmother help you? _______
• What has your uncle taught you? _______
• How do your cousins help you? _______