Music as a Tool for Recording – Basic 1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Third Term)

Recording means keeping information so that we can remember things. We can record with writing, pictures or music. Music is a special way to record history because songs tell stories of events, pass culture to children and are easy to remember. Songs such as the national anthem, folk songs and historical songs keep the past alive.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• say what recording means;
• name three kinds of songs that record history: the national anthem, folk songs and historical songs;
• state the date Nigeria became independent;
• explain how songs tell stories, preserve culture and teach lessons;
• give reasons why music is good for recording.

What does recording mean?

• Recording means keeping information.
• Recording helps us remember things.
• We can record with writing, pictures or music.
• Music is a special way to record history.

How does music record history?

Music helps us remember important events.

1. National anthem

• It records our independence.
• It tells about our nation.
• Everyone sings it.
• We remember Nigeria.

2. Folk songs

• They tell stories of the past.
• They teach us about our ancestors.
• They pass from old people to children.
• They keep history alive.

3. Historical songs

• Songs about important events
• Songs about heroes
• Songs about battles or victories
• Songs about celebrations

Which past events can we discuss?

In school

• Sports day
• Cultural day
• Independence Day celebration
• Children’s Day
• School anniversary

Stories from parents

Ask your parents about:

• How Nigeria got independence
• Stories of old Lagos
• Traditional festivals long ago
• How things were in the past

When did Nigeria become independent?

Important facts

• Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960.
• We became free from British rule.
• We became our own country.
• We celebrate every October 1st.

Independence song

Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand

(This is the old national anthem that recorded independence.)

How does music record events?

1. Songs tell stories

• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• How people felt

2. Songs preserve culture

• They keep traditions alive.
• They pass information to children.
• They help us remember our roots.
• They celebrate our identity.

3. Songs teach lessons

• Good behaviour
• History
• Values
• Morals

What are examples of recording through music?

Birthday songs

• They record the day you were born.
• They celebrate your life.
• We remember them every year.

Victory songs

• They record when we win.
• They help us remember achievements.
• They celebrate success.

Sad songs

• They record difficult times.
• They help us remember loved ones.
• They help us share feelings.

What do we learn from listening to historical music?

We can listen to CDs or other recordings about:

• Nigeria’s independence
• Important leaders
• Cultural festivals
• Historical events

When we listen, we learn and remember.

Why is music good for recording?

• It is easy to remember.
• It is fun to sing.
• It passes to many people.
• It lasts for many years.
• It touches our hearts.
• It brings people together.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Recording means _____ information.
   • a) losing
   • b) keeping
   • c) destroying
2. Music helps us _____ things.
   • a) forget
   • b) remember
   • c) destroy
3. Nigeria became independent on _____.
   • a) December 25
   • b) October 1, 1960
   • c) January 1
4. Folk songs tell stories of the _____.
   • a) future
   • b) past
   • c) animals
5. Music is a _____ way to record history.
   • a) bad
   • b) boring
   • c) special

Assignment

1. Ask your parents about Nigeria’s independence.
2. Learn one historical song from your teacher or parents.
3. Draw the Nigerian flag to remember independence.
4. Write: Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960.
5. Listen to a song about history and tell what you learned.