Difference Between National Symbols and Other Symbols – Basic 3 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Subject: Civic Education
Class: Primary 3
Duration: 30 minutes

What are Symbols?

Symbols are signs, pictures, or objects that represent something or a group of people. They help us identify and recognize different things.

National Symbols vs Other Symbols

National Symbols

National symbols represent the entire country of Nigeria.

Features of National Symbols:

• They belong to ALL Nigerians
• Used everywhere in Nigeria
• Represent the whole country
• Everyone in Nigeria respects them
• Found on government buildings and documents

Examples of National Symbols:

• Nigerian flag (green, white, green)
• National anthem (“Nigeria, We Hail Thee”)
• Coat of arms (with black eagle)
• National pledge
• Nigerian currency (naira)

Other Symbols

Other symbols represent groups, organizations, or smaller communities.

Features of Other Symbols:

• They belong to specific groups only
• Used by particular organizations
• Represent only that group or organization
• Only members of that group use them
• Found in specific places

Examples of Other Symbols:

School Symbols:

• School logo or badge
• School anthem
• School uniform colors
• School motto

Religious Symbols:

• Cross (Christianity)
• Crescent and star (Islam)
• Church bells
• Mosque minarets

Sports Team Symbols:

• Team logos
• Team jerseys
• Team songs
• Team mascots

Company Symbols:

• Company logos
• Company uniforms
• Company slogans

Main Differences

Class Exercise

1. Write NATIONAL or OTHER for these symbols:

1. Nigerian flag: _______
2. School badge: _______
3. National anthem: _______
4. Church cross: _______
5. Coat of arms: _______
6. Company logo: _______

1. Fill in the blanks:

Words: country, group, Nigeria, organization

1. National symbols represent the entire _____________.
2. Other symbols represent a specific _____________.
3. All people in _____________ respect national symbols.
4. Only members of an _____________ use their symbols.

1. Choose the correct answer:

1. The Nigerian flag represents: a) Only Lagos State b) The entire Nigeria c) One school
2. A school badge represents: a) All Nigerian schools b) That particular school c) The government
3. Who can use national symbols? a) Only government workers b) All Nigerians c) Only teachers

1. Match each symbol with its type:

• National anthem → National symbol
• School uniform → School symbol
• Nigerian currency → National symbol
• Team jersey → Sports symbol

1. Complete these sentences:

1. National symbols belong to _____________ Nigerians.
2. School symbols are only for students of that _____________.
3. The _____________ protects national symbols.
4. Other symbols are found in _____________ places.

1. List three national symbols:
2. List three examples of other symbols:
3. Answer these questions:

1. What is the main difference between national symbols and other symbols?
2. Who can use the Nigerian flag?
3. Can students from other schools wear your school badge? Why?

1. Write TRUE or FALSE:

1. National symbols represent the whole country. _______
2. Only some Nigerians can use national symbols. _______
3. School symbols represent only that school. _______
4. Company logos are national symbols. _______