Respecting Other National Symbols Basic 3 Civic Education Lesson Note

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

More National Symbols We Must Respect

Apart from the flag and coat of arms, Nigeria has other important national symbols that we must respect as good citizens.

How to Respect Different National Symbols

National Anthem

What it is:

• Nigeria’s official song, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
• Sung to show love for our country

How to Respect the National Anthem:

• Stand straight when it is being sung
• Remove your cap or hat
• Sing along with respect
• Stop all activities and listen
• Don’t talk or play during the anthem
• Show pride on your face

The Constitution

What it is:

• The highest law book in Nigeria
• Contains rules for governing the country
• Shows the rights and duties of citizens

How to Respect the Constitution:

• Learn about your rights and duties
• Obey the laws in the constitution
• Don’t tear or damage constitution books
• Support leaders who follow the constitution
• Speak well about Nigerian laws

National Currency (Naira)

What it is:

• Nigerian money (notes and coins)
• Has pictures of national heroes
• Symbol of Nigeria’s economy

How to Respect the Naira:

• Don’t tear or destroy money
• Keep money clean and safe
• Don’t use money to play games
• Handle coins and notes carefully
• Don’t throw money on the ground
• Use money for proper purposes only

Mace

What it is:

• Special golden rod used in the National Assembly
• Symbol of authority in government
• Represents the power of the legislature

How to Respect the Mace:

• Don’t touch it without permission
• Stand when it is being carried in ceremony
• Show respect during parliamentary sessions
• Don’t make jokes about it
• Understand its importance to democracy

National Assembly

What it is:

• Nigeria’s law-making body
• Has Senate and House of Representatives
• Where laws for the country are made

How to Respect the National Assembly:

• Support democratic processes
• Respect the lawmakers (senators and representatives)
• Don’t destroy government buildings
• Learn about how laws are made
• Speak respectfully about the assembly
• Understand their role in democracy

Why We Must Respect These Symbols

• They represent Nigeria’s democracy and unity
• They show we are proud Nigerians
• It teaches others to be patriotic
• It helps maintain law and order
• It shows we understand our civic duties

Class Exercise

1. Match each symbol with how to respect it:

• National Anthem → Stand straight and sing
• Constitution → Obey the laws it contains
• National Currency → Handle money carefully
• Mace → Don’t touch without permission
• National Assembly → Respect the lawmakers

1. Fill in the blanks:

Words: anthem, constitution, currency, mace

1. The national _____________ is “Arise, O Compatriots.”
2. The _____________ is Nigeria’s highest law book.
3. Our national _____________ is the naira.
4. The _____________ is carried during National Assembly ceremonies.

1. Choose the correct answer:

1. During the national anthem, you should: a) Sit down and relax b) Stand straight and sing c) Run around
2. The constitution contains: a) Fairy tales b) Laws and rules c) Cooking recipes
3. What should you NOT do with money? a) Keep it safe b) Tear it up c) Use it properly

1. Write RESPECTFUL or DISRESPECTFUL:

1. Standing during the national anthem: _______
2. Tearing up naira notes: _______
3. Learning about the constitution: _______
4. Making jokes about the mace: _______
5. Supporting democratic processes: _______

1. Complete these sentences:

1. The national anthem is called “_____________.”
2. We should handle our _____________ carefully.
3. The _____________ makes laws for Nigeria.
4. The constitution is Nigeria’s highest _____________.

1. List three things you should do during the national anthem:
2. Answer these questions:

1. What is the constitution?
2. Why should we respect the naira?
3. What is the mace used for?

1. Write TRUE or FALSE:

1. You can use money to play games. _______
2. The constitution contains Nigeria’s laws. _______
3. You should talk during the national anthem. _______
4. The National Assembly makes laws for Nigeria. _______

1. List all five national symbols mentioned in this lesson: