The Primary 1 English Language First Term Scheme of Work provides a detailed weekly breakdown of topics and objectives that build strong literacy skills in young learners. Developed and approved by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), this curriculum helps teachers introduce English Language concepts in a structured, age-appropriate manner. Educators follow this scheme to teach core skills such as phonics, vocabulary development, basic grammar, reading comprehension, listening, and early writing techniques. With this national guide, schools across Nigeria maintain consistent learning outcomes in English Language, especially for first-term beginners.
Each week in the scheme introduces new concepts while reinforcing previous lessons. Teachers begin with simple sounds and letters, guiding pupils through the alphabet, basic sentence structure, pronunciation of consonants and vowels, and word recognition. As pupils progress through the term, they learn to blend letters into syllables, match pictures with words, and construct simple sentences. This gradual but consistent progression supports early reading fluency and writing competence. The structured nature of this curriculum also supports inclusive learning by addressing different learning paces through repetition and guided exercises.
Parents can confidently use the scheme to follow up on schoolwork at home. By practicing weekly targets with their children, they help reinforce classroom learning. Activities like phonics games, tracing letters, spelling practice, and oral reading enhance the retention of key skills. Teachers, on their part, rely on the scheme to plan interactive lessons that integrate songs, storytelling, and picture-based learning, which keep Primary 1 pupils engaged.
With its weekly structure, national alignment, and child-centered approach, the Primary 1 First Term English Scheme of Work remains an essential tool for delivering quality English education in Nigerian primary schools. Both private and public institutions benefit from its simplicity, clarity, and alignment with academic expectations.
Scheme of Work Table (Week 1–12)
| Week | Topic & Focus | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vocabulary – New Words | Define new words contextually; use them correctly; learn 50–100 words. |
| 2 | Writing – Alphabet | Match upper & lower case; write letters; form words/sentences. |
| 3 | Phonics – Rhyming & One-Syllable Words | Blend sounds; recognize ending sounds; identify rhymes; recite rhymes. |
| 4 | Grammar – Articles “a” & “an” | Identify and use “a” or “an” correctly in sentences. |
| 5 | Vocabulary & Writing | Use new words in sentences; write two-letter words; analyse “Our House” essay. |
| 6 | Phonics – Vowel Sounds | Pronounce vowel sounds; identify sounds; repeat using audio. |
| 7 | Grammar – “a”/“an” Practice | Differentiate “a” vs. “an”; use them correctly in speech and writing. |
| 8 | Vocabulary & Reading | Spell and pronounce new words; form sentences; read objects starting with “an”. |
| 9 | Writing – Three-Letter Animal Words & Reading | Spell three-letter words; describe animals; discuss storybook. |
| 10 | Mid-Term Test & Break | Assess pupils’ progress across Weeks 1–9. |
| 11 | Phonics & Grammar – Blending & Sex Differentiation | Blend letters; distinguish “he”/“she”; introduce self through pictures. |
| 12 | Vocabulary, Reading & Writing | Learn new words; interpret images; write four- to five-letter words. |
| 13 | Phonics – Sound Pronunciation | Recognise sounds (in, la/); pronounce, spell, and use in words. |
| 14 | Revision & Examination | Review all topics and conduct term-end assessment. |
Importance of the Scheme
The Primary 1 English First Term Scheme of Work plays a vital role in developing foundational language skills for young learners in Nigerian schools. It builds early literacy by introducing phonics, sound recognition, and simple word formation. Pupils steadily expand their vocabulary breadth through engaging classwork and oral practice, allowing them to confidently use new words in context. Teachers also help learners apply correct grammar usage by teaching subject-verb agreement, plural formation, sentence structure, and punctuation. These elements shape clear and effective communication, which supports both academic and everyday language skills.
This English scheme directly supports long-term academic success by laying the groundwork for future WAEC and NECO English examinations. Pupils who begin their English education with structured exposure to reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills become better prepared for standard assessments in the later years. The emphasis on phonemic awareness, sentence construction, and comprehension boosts their confidence in tackling formal English tests as they move through higher classes.
The scheme also promotes a systematic learning approach, beginning with letter recognition and gradually moving into word and sentence development. Each topic connects logically to the next, which allows pupils to build knowledge without gaps. Teachers benefit from this progression, using the weekly scheme structure to plan lessons with realistic, measurable learning outcomes. They can assess student understanding consistently and adjust instruction as needed for maximum impact.
Parents also find value in the clarity of this scheme. It provides a roadmap for at-home support, ensuring that activities such as reading aloud, spelling revision, or phonics practice reinforce school lessons. Through this coordinated effort, both teachers and parents work together to help the child succeed. The scheme empowers all school leaders, educators, and families to deliver and support quality English Language education right from the start.
How to Use This Scheme Effectively
The success of the Primary 1 English First Term Scheme of Work depends on the active involvement of teachers, parents, and pupils.
For teachers, integrating storytelling, phonics games, and class recitations into daily lessons enhances classroom engagement and improves literacy outcomes. Teachers should use creative methods such as rhymes, songs, and picture books to make phonics lessons memorable. By tying each activity directly to the weekly learning objectives outlined in the scheme, educators can ensure every lesson has a focused purpose. Weekly assessments, both formal and informal, help track individual pupil progress. Group activities like spelling bees, vocabulary games, and reading circles allow teachers to monitor comprehension and make adjustments to meet diverse learning needs.
Parents play a powerful role in reinforcing what children learn in class. After-school reviews using flashcards, drawing activities, and phonics sounds help children retain new vocabulary. Encouraging daily practice of phonics at home boosts letter-sound recognition and fluency. Storytime should become a daily routine, with parents reading and discussing books that align with the topics in the English scheme. Asking questions like “What happened in the story?” or “Can you spell this word?” supports comprehension and promotes early literacy.
For pupils, daily participation in phonics and reading sessions in school builds their confidence in using English. They should focus on sounding out words, blending phonemes, and reading aloud during class. At home, they can continue this practice by reading picture books, writing short sentences, and reviewing new words. Practising spelling every day helps with word retention and written communication. Pupils should also be encouraged to use simple English sentences in conversations at home and school. This practical application strengthens grammar and builds a strong foundation in English language skills.
The synergy between teachers, parents, and pupils is essential for the successful implementation of the Primary 1 English curriculum. With teachers providing structured lessons, parents offering home support, and pupils staying actively engaged, the goals of the scheme, literacy development, reading fluency, and grammar mastery become highly achievable.
