Àkọsílẹ̀ – Basic 1 Yoruba Lesson Note (Third Term)

Àkọsílẹ̀ means writing. In this lesson, pupils learn to write a short composition with an introduction, a body and a conclusion. They also learn about farming (ògè ṣíṣe) as part of Yoruba culture, and they sing the song “Orí Ewé Má Páyà Àwa Lẹ́kùn” to encourage young learners.

Behavioural objectives

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

• Write a short composition on a given topic and express their ideas clearly.
• Extract the main points from a composition.
• Explain what farming is and name different farming methods.
• State the importance of farming.
• Sing the song “Orí Ewé Má Páyà Àwa Lẹ́kùn” and say what it means.

Èdè (Language): how do we write a short composition?

Sample topic

“Yí Ẹsẹ̀ Rẹ Padà Sí Apá Kan” (Turn your leg to one side)

This means: avoid danger, be careful.

How to write

• Introduction: Tell what the topic means.
• Body: Give examples and explanations.
• Conclusion: Say what we learned.

Example composition

Àkọsílẹ̀: Ìkìlọ̀

Àwọn àgbàlagbà máa ń kìlọ̀ fún wa. Wọ́n máa ń sọ pé, “Yí ẹsẹ̀ rẹ padà.” Èyí túmọ̀ sí pé ká sá fún ewu. À gbọ́dọ̀ ṣọ́ra. À kò gbọ́dọ̀ fi iná ṣeré. À kò gbọ́dọ̀ gun òkè tó ga jù. À kò gbọ́dọ̀ tẹ̀lé àjèjì lọ. Gbogbo rẹ̀ wọ̀nyí jẹ́ ewu. Nítorí náà, ẹ jẹ́ ká ṣọ́ra. Ẹ jẹ́ ká gbọ́ tí àgbà sọ.

Translation: Elders warn us. They say, “Turn your leg aside.” This means avoid danger. We must be careful. We must not play with fire. We must not climb too high. We must not follow strangers. All these are dangerous. Therefore, let us be careful. Let us listen to elders.

Main points of the composition

1. Listen to warnings.
2. Avoid danger.
3. Be careful always.
4. Obey elders.

Àsà (Culture): what is farming (Ògè ṣíṣe)?

What is Ògè? (Kí ni Ògè?)

Ògè means farming season. It is the time when farmers plant crops on the farm.

Types of farming (Oríṣiríṣi Ògè)

Farming tools (Ohun Èlò Oko)

1. Okó (hoe)
2. Adá (cutlass or machete)
3. Apẹ̀rẹ̀ (basket)
4. Àgbá (large basket)
5. Àáké (axe)

Farming seasons

• Ìrúgbìn (planting season): early rains
• Àkókò ìtọ́jú (weeding time): mid season
• Ìkórè (harvest time): end of season

Importance of farming

1. Provides food
2. Gives income
3. Creates jobs
4. Feeds the nation
5. Is a traditional occupation
6. Promotes health
7. Builds community

Farming song

Bàbá lọ sókó
Ó ń gbin isu
Ó ń gbin ẹ̀wà
Oko ń fún wa ní oúnjẹ
Ògè ṣíṣe dára!

Lítírẹ́ṣọ̀ (Literature): how do we sing “Orí Ewé Má Páyà Àwa Lẹ́kùn”?

The song (Orin Kíkọ)

Orí Ewé Má Páyà Àwa Lẹ́kùn (Young leaf, do not fear, we support you)

Orí ewé má páyà
Àwa lẹ́kùn rẹ
Orí ewé má bẹ̀rù
Àwa yóò tì ọ́ lẹ́yìn
Máa lọ síwájú
Ẹ̀kọ́ ni koko
Kà ìwé dáadáa
Ọjọ́ iwájú rẹ yóò dára!

Translation: Young leaf, do not fear. We support you. Young leaf, do not be afraid. We back you up. Keep moving forward. Education is key. Learn your lessons well. Your future will be bright!

Main point

The song encourages young learners.

How to sing

• Use a sweet voice.
• Add clapping.
• Show confidence.
• Sing with joy.
• Express the meaning.

Musical instruments

• Ṣẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀ (shaker)
• Gángan (drum)
• Agogo (bell)
• Saworo (rattle)

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Àkọsílẹ̀ túmọ̀ sí _____ (a) Reading (b) Writing (c) Singing
2. Ògè túmọ̀ sí _____ (a) Market (b) Farming (c) School
3. Okó jẹ́ ohun èlò _____ (a) Oko (b) Ilé (c) Ọjà
4. “Yí ẹsẹ̀ rẹ padà” túmọ̀ sí _____ (a) Run fast (b) Avoid danger (c) Dance well
5. Ògè ń fún wa ní _____ (a) Oúnjẹ (b) Omi (c) Ilé
6. Okó túmọ̀ sí _____ (a) Cutlass (b) Hoe (c) Basket
7. Ìrúgbìn jẹ́ àkókò _____ (a) Planting (b) Harvest (c) Rest
8. “Má páyà” túmọ̀ sí _____ (a) Be afraid (b) Don’t fear (c) Run away
9. Adá jẹ́ _____ (a) Hoe (b) Cutlass (c) Basket
10. Ìkórè túmọ̀ sí _____ (a) Planting (b) Weeding (c) Harvest

Assignment

1. Write a short composition.
2. Name five farming tools.
3. Sing the encouragement song.
4. Draw a farming scene.
5. Help with small farm work.