The First Term Scheme of Work for Primary 1 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) provides a structured academic guide that introduces young learners to the foundational truths of the Christian faith. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) approves this curriculum to help teachers and parents guide pupils through key religious values and Bible teachings. This scheme ensures pupils gain an age-appropriate understanding of topics like God the Creator, God’s gifts, and the birth of Jesus.
In the early weeks of the term, teachers introduce pupils to God the Creator. Pupils learn who God is, identify His attributes, and list the things He created, including living and non-living things. These lessons help pupils develop awe and gratitude for God’s works. Pupils also discover that God created man out of love and that He expects us to care for all His creations.
As the term progresses, teachers guide pupils to understand God’s goodness. Pupils define goodness, recognize the good things God has done, and describe how to show kindness to others. Teachers encourage pupils to see God as the giver of all good things and to express daily gratitude for His blessings.
Midway through the term, the curriculum shifts to the topic of God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Pupils explore the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, retell the story of Jesus’ birth, and discuss the visit of the three Wise Men. These stories help pupils deepen their understanding of Christmas and its significance.
In the final weeks, the lessons focus on God as our loving Father. Pupils explore how God cares for them like a father, describe a father’s duties, and discuss their own responsibilities as children of God. The term concludes with a thorough revision and examination to reinforce what they have learned.
Scheme of Work Table: Primary 1 CRS – First Term
| Week | Topic | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | God the Creator (Part 1) | Explain who God is, His attributes, and identify non-living things He created |
| Week 2 | God the Creator (Part 2) | List living things God created, why He created man, and need to love His creation |
| Week 3 | God’s Goodness | Define goodness, explain why God is good, and mention ways to show goodness to others |
| Week 4 | God the Giver of Good Things | List examples of God’s goodness in family and personal life; appreciate God |
| Week 5 | God’s Gift of His Son (Part 1) | Discuss Angel Gabriel’s visit and narrate the birth of Jesus |
| Week 6 | God’s Gift of His Son (Part 2) | Explain visit of the Wise Men, list their gifts, and discuss their significance |
| Week 7 | Mid-Term Break | No academic activity |
| Week 8 | God is Our Father (Part 1) | Explain God’s fatherly role, duties of a father, and responsibilities of children |
| Week 9 | God is Our Father (Part 2) | Identify what God does for His children and Bible references to God as a father |
| Week 10 | Revision | Recap of all topics covered from Week 1 to 9 |
| Week 11 | Examination | Test pupils’ understanding of the term’s topics |
| Week 12 | Examination Continues | Completion of first term assessment |
Importance of the Scheme of Work
The Primary 1 CRS Scheme of Work offers structured spiritual and moral development for young children. It lays the foundation for biblical understanding and moral character at an impressionable age, making it a vital part of early childhood education in Nigeria. Designed according to the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) guidelines, the scheme aligns perfectly with national educational goals, ensuring pupils receive quality religious instruction consistent with approved standards.
One of the key benefits of this scheme is its role in building biblical literacy from the earliest stages. Pupils are introduced to fundamental Bible characters, stories, and teachings that not only inspire their faith but also shape their values and behaviour. Topics like God the Creator, God’s gifts, and the birth of Jesus are presented in ways that children can easily understand and relate to.
The scheme also serves as a preparatory path for future WAEC and NECO Christian Religious Studies examinations. Although the pupils are still in Primary 1, this structured exposure to scripture and Christian doctrine gradually prepares them for more complex theological concepts in later years.
Another important advantage is the focus on moral development. Through Bible stories and classroom discussion, pupils are taught to show kindness, obey their parents, speak the truth, and share with others. These are virtues that not only enrich their personal lives but also contribute positively to society.
Lastly, the scheme provides a clear weekly structure for teachers. It allows them to assess learning progress at a steady pace through questions, class activities, and short memory verses, ensuring that no topic is rushed or skipped.
How to Use This Scheme Effectively
To make the Primary 1 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Scheme of Work truly effective, it is important that teachers, parents, and pupils each play their roles actively. When all three work together, young learners can better understand and apply biblical values in their everyday lives.
Teachers are encouraged to divide each weekly topic into smaller, manageable lessons that can be taught daily. Using storytelling methods, Bible verses, drawings, and classroom songs helps make each topic easier to grasp. Children at this age respond well to visual and interactive teaching, so incorporating role-plays or short drama scenes based on Bible stories will deepen their understanding. Teachers should also assign short moral tasks or questions each day and assess pupils’ progress through quizzes or verse recitations at the end of the week.
Parents can support learning by reviewing each week’s topic at home. Reading children’s Bible stories that relate to the classroom topic and asking children to explain what they learned encourages memory retention and confidence. Singing songs, helping with assignments, and linking Bible values to real-life situations during family time also help reinforce the lesson. Engaging in simple discussions and prayers related to the topic keeps the teachings active beyond the classroom.
For pupils, it is essential to listen carefully during Bible stories in class and ask questions when something is unclear. They should practice the lessons taught by showing kindness, telling the truth, and respecting elders. At home, they can share what they learned with their family and practice singing songs that match the weekly theme. These habits help them grow in both knowledge and character, fulfilling the goals of the CRS curriculum.
The First Term Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Scheme of Work for Primary 1 provides a solid foundation for introducing moral values and biblical teachings to young learners. Carefully structured in alignment with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum, this scheme equips teachers with weekly guidance to teach foundational topics such as who God is, the wonders of His creation, the importance of obedience, and the story of Jesus’ birth. At this early stage, pupils begin to understand spiritual truths that shape their moral development and character formation. Parents also find this scheme helpful in reinforcing classroom teachings at home, using stories, songs, and prayer time to support their child’s religious education.
Conclusion
Beyond academic goals, the scheme encourages values like kindness, gratitude, sharing, and respect, virtues that are essential to building responsible, God-fearing citizens. With a weekly progression that introduces children gradually to core Christian beliefs, it fosters consistent growth in both knowledge and faith. Whether you’re a teacher preparing lesson plans or a parent seeking to nurture spiritual awareness in your child, this CRS scheme offers the structure and simplicity you need.
