Children’s Novel Basic 5 English Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

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

1. Read the text audibly and pronounce the new words correctly
2. Construct sentences with the identified new words orally
3. Discuss orally the meaning and lesson they can derive from the text
4. Answer questions that follow the passage

Learning Activities

1. Pupils, as a class, read the selected text in turns and pay attention to their audibility and pronunciation
2. Pupils as groups, form and construct sentences orally with the identified new words
3. Pupils, in pairs, discuss the meaning and lessons derived from the text in the class
4. Pupils, in small groups, answer the questions that follow the poem

Embedded Core Skills

1. Communication and Collaboration
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Leadership skills and Personal Development
4. Creativity and Imagination

Learning Materials

• Charts
• Flash cards
• Textbook
• Copies of the novel “Chike and the River”
• Handouts with discussion questions
• Chart paper and markers
• Web Resources
• Workbook on modal auxiliaries and examples of requests
• Whiteboard and markers for examples and practice exercises
• Chart paper and markers for creating visual aids
• Scripts or passages for students to practice intonation patterns on
• Audio recordings of different intonation patterns for students to listen to and analyze

Content: Children’s Novel “Chike and the River” by Chinua Achebe

“Chike and the River” is a coming-of-age novel by Chinua Achebe that tells the story of a young boy, Chike, growing up in the city of Onitsha, Nigeria. The novel follows Chike’s journey as he faces the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world and as he struggles to find his place in it. The book examines themes of identity, culture, and the struggle for survival. Chike’s life takes a turn when he is offered a scholarship to study in Lagos. He takes the opportunity and the novel shows the contrast of his life in Onitsha with the new experience in Lagos. Chike’s journey to Lagos is filled with adventure and danger, and ultimately leads him to a better life. The novel is considered a classic of African literature, widely read and studied in Nigeria and around the world.

Moral Lesson

“Chike and the River” by Chinua Achebe is a novel that imparts several moral lessons to its readers. Some of the main moral lessons include:

1. The importance of education: The novel highlights the transformative power of education and how it can change a person’s life for the better. Chike’s scholarship to study in Lagos is a turning point in his life and it strengthens his belief in the importance of education and how it can open doors to o pportunities. 
2. The importance of hard work and determination: Throughout the novel, Chike shows his hard work and determination. He is able to overcome the obstacles in his path. The novel teaches that hard work and perseverance can enable one to overcome their fear and achieve their goals and overcome adversity. 
3. The importance of family and community: Throughout the novel, Chike is supported by his family and community, and it is their love and guidance that helps him navigate the challenges he faces. The novel illustrates the importance of community and family in providing a sense of belonging and support. 
4. The dangers of greed: The novel also shows how greed can lead to negative consequences, as seen through the actions of some of the characters. 
5. The need to be true to oneself: The novel shows how it’s important for one to be true to oneself, and not to change oneself to please others. 

Evaluation

1. What is the main moral lesson that Chike learns through his scholarship to study in Lagos? a) The importance of education b) The importance of family c) The importance of community d) All of the above 
2. How does Chike’s determination and hard work help him overcome the obstacles in his path? a) It allows him to achieve his goals b) It helps him find a sense of belonging c) It helps him overcome his fear of failure d) All of the above 
3. How does the novel illustrate the importance of community and family? a) Through the support and guidance that Chike receives from his family and community b) Through the actions of the characters in the novel c) Through the story of Chike’s journey d) All of the above 
4. What negative consequences are shown in the novel as a result of greed? a) The loss of relationships and trust b) The loss of respect c) The loss of honor d) All of the above 
5. How does Chike’s journey to Lagos change his life? a) It improves his circumstances b) It helps him find his true calling c) It enables him to achieve his dreams d) All of the above 
6. What is the main theme of the novel? a) The importance of education b) The struggle for survival c) The importance of family d) All of the above 
7. What is the main character’s name in “Chike and the River”? a) Chike b) Chinua c) Achebe d) None of the above 
8. What is the main setting of the novel? a) Onitsha b) Lagos c) Both A and B d) None of the above 
9. How does the novel illustrate the dangers of greed? a) Through the actions of some of the characters b) Through the story of Chike’s journey c) Both A and B d) None of the above 
10. What is the main moral lesson that the novel teaches? a) The importance of education b) The value of hard work and determination c) The importance of family and community d) All of the above