The Primary 1 Civic Education First Term Scheme of Work is thoughtfully designed to introduce young learners to civic knowledge, moral values, and national identity. Aligned with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) guidelines, this scheme plays a key role in shaping the early civic mindset of pupils. At this foundational stage, children begin to learn about their rights and responsibilities, both at home and within their communities.
By incorporating weekly learning objectives, the scheme allows teachers and parents to guide children through vital topics such as honesty, cooperation, public behavior, and the consequences of poor moral choices. It also introduces public issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness and drug abuse prevention in an age-appropriate manner.
Additionally, the curriculum supports broader educational goals by embedding patriotism, tolerance, and public enlightenment into weekly learning. These core civic values are not only essential for personal development but also serve as stepping stones for becoming active and responsible members of society.
As education stakeholders seek new ways to build moral and civic consciousness from the ground up, this scheme offers a practical roadmap. Whether you’re a parent supporting your child at home or a teacher managing classroom delivery, the structured progression of topics ensures consistent moral and civic education throughout the term.
Scheme of Work Table
| Week | Topic | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Readiness Test / Meaning of Civic Education, Why we study Civic Education | i. Explain what Civic Education means ii. Highlight reasons we study it iii. Outline basic democratic activities, civic rights and responsibilities |
| 2 | Importance in School, Rights of a Child and Citizen | i. Identify how Civic Education helps in school ii. List some children’s rights iii. Describe rights of a citizen |
| 3 | Importance at Home | i. Revisit Civic Education meaning ii. Identify its role at home iii. Highlight 4 ways it supports home life |
| 4 | Importance of Civic Education in the Media | i. Explain what media means ii. Outline 4 ways media supports civic education |
| 5 | Importance to Society | i. Define society ii. Outline Civic Education’s importance to society iii. Identify other societal benefits |
| 6 | Key Values: Patriotism, Tolerance, Cooperation, Honesty, Self-Reliance | i. Define patriotism, tolerance, cooperation ii. Explain honesty as a virtue iii. Describe self‑reliance |
| 7 | Midterm Test / Break | – |
| 8 | Good Moral Values in Society, Meaning of Morals | i. Explain rights vs duties ii. Differentiate between them iii. State why rights and duties matter |
| 9 | Public Enlightenment – HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse Hazards | i. Explain HIV/AIDS education importance ii. List prevention methods iii. Define drug abuse and identify hazards |
| 10 | Bad Morals – Stealing, Bullying, Fighting, Lying | i. List at least 5 bad morals ii. State consequences iii. Suggest ways to prevent them |
| 11 | Revision | Review topics from Weeks 1–10 |
| 12 | Examination | End-of-term assessment |
The Primary 1 Civic Education First Term Scheme of Work holds tremendous value in shaping both academic success and character development. Its alignment with the NERDC curriculum ensures that pupils across Nigeria receive uniform, structured instruction in civic and moral education.
More importantly, it sets a strong foundation for young learners as they progress into upper primary classes. By tackling essential subjects such as children’s rights, public responsibilities, and moral conduct, the scheme prepares pupils for a lifetime of responsible citizenship.
This structure promotes a balanced mix of classroom instruction and real-life application. Pupils are taught not just what honesty, cooperation, and patriotism mean, but how to apply these values in school, at home, and in public. In doing so, the scheme cultivates emotional intelligence, accountability, and respect for societal rules.
For schools preparing students for national exams or assessments, the scheme supports learning consistency. It introduces important themes early, reinforcing them through weekly repetition, visual aids, and class discussions. It also meets the broader goals of the Nigerian Basic Education curriculum by integrating knowledge with civic competence.
How to Use the Scheme
Teachers, parents, and pupils each have a vital role to play in maximizing the benefits of the Civic Education scheme.
Teachers should use each weekly topic as a building block for lesson planning, incorporating creative strategies such as storytelling, group activities, and civic role-plays. By relating each lesson to the pupils’ everyday experiences, teachers help young minds connect theory to real-world behavior. This keeps the lessons both engaging and practical.
Parents can extend these lessons at home. Reviewing each weekly topic together encourages discussion and reflection. For instance, after learning about honesty in school, a parent may ask their child to share real-life examples of being honest or discuss why lying is harmful. Through such conversations, moral instruction becomes a shared responsibility between school and home.
Students are expected to actively participate during lessons, ask questions, and share their own observations. Whether through class debates or artwork, they are encouraged to express how civic values impact their daily lives. These small steps help build confidence, empathy, and social awareness at an early age.
Conclusion
The Primary 1 Civic Education First Term Scheme of Work is more than just a lesson outline. It is a structured moral guide that nurtures integrity, civic knowledge, and public responsibility in children from an early age. By following its progression, pupils learn about their roles in society, the difference between good and bad behavior, and how to develop into responsible citizens.
This scheme also ensures full compliance with the NERDC curriculum, making it an essential tool for teachers and schools nationwide. With a focus on honesty, patriotism, cooperation, and public awareness, the scheme remains a vital part of early childhood civic education in Nigeria.
