# Lesson Plan for Cultural and Creative Arts: Nigerian Musical Instruments and the Sounds They Produce
**Grade Level**: Primary 6
**Subject**: Cultural and Creative Arts
**Duration**: 60 minutes
**Topic**: Nigerian Musical Instruments and the Sounds They Produce
## Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify various traditional Nigerian musical instruments.
2. Describe the sounds produced by each instrument.
3. Understand the cultural significance of these instruments.
## Materials Needed:
- Pictures and videos of Nigerian musical instruments (can be sourced online or from textbooks)
- Real or replica instruments if available (e.g., drum, talking drum, shekere)
- Audio recordings of sounds produced by different instruments
- Markers and chart paper
- Worksheets
- Projector/screen and audio system (if available)
## Lesson Outline:
### 1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- **Greet students and introduce the topic**: Start by asking students if they know any traditional Nigerian musical instruments. Allow them to share their thoughts.
- **Objectives of the lesson**: Briefly explain the goals of the lesson.
### 2. Presentation (20 minutes)
- **Visual and Audio Display**: Show pictures and videos of various Nigerian musical instruments such as the talking drum, shekere, udu, agbaja, ekwe, ikoro, ogene, and kakaki.
- **Talking Drum (Dùndún)**: Explain that it's used in Yoruba culture, can mimic speech patterns. Play an audio of its sound.
- **Shekere**: Explain it's a beaded gourd, used across many regions. Play the sound it produces.
- **Udu**: A water jug drum, used by the Igbo people. Demonstrate its deep, resonant sounds via an audio clip.
- **Ekwe/Iko/Ikoro/Ogene**: Drum-type and metal instruments used primarily in the East.
- **Kakaki**: A long trumpet used in the northern parts of Nigeria. Play the sound.
### 3. Group Activity (15 minutes)
- **Break students into groups** and provide each group with a specific instrument to research (they can use textbooks or any provided materials).
- Each group will create a small presentation (poster or verbal) about their assigned instrument, describing its usage, the sound it produces, and its cultural significance.
- **Presentation**: Each group presents their findings to the class, demonstrating the sound (using the audio recordings).
### 4. Class Discussion (10 minutes)
- **Cultural Significance**: Discuss why these instruments are important in Nigerian culture. Touch on how they're used in ceremonies, festivals, and daily life.
- Ask students questions: What did they find most interesting? Can they think of any modern instruments that produce similar sounds?
### 5. Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Summarize the key points of the lesson, reiterating the different instruments and the unique sounds they produce.
- **Q&A**: Give students an opportunity to ask any questions they have.
- **Homework**: Assign a short research task where each student can choose a Nigerian musical instrument not discussed in class and write a paragraph about it.
### Evaluation
- **Participation**: Observe students' participation in activities and discussions.
- **Group Activity**: Evaluate the group presentations for understanding and accuracy.
- **Homework**: Check the research task to ensure comprehension and effort.
### Additional Resources:
- Local musicians or cultural groups who may be willing to visit the school for a live demonstration.
- Online platforms and documentaries focusing on Nigerian traditional music.
## Follow-up:
- Plan a visit to a local music museum or attend a traditional music performance if possible.
- Integrate a music-making session using replica instruments to give students a hands-on experience.