The Primary 3 Social Studies First Term Scheme of Work offers a well-structured lesson plan that helps Nigerian pupils understand key aspects of family life, health education, marriage customs, and drug awareness. Approved by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), this scheme aligns with national learning goals and prepares young learners to navigate real-life social and cultural experiences with confidence.
Through weekly lessons, teachers guide pupils to explore topics like types of families, roles of family members, the meaning and importance of marriage, and how to avoid drug misuse. These themes are directly linked to daily life in Nigerian communities, making the syllabus relatable and impactful. By learning through stories, role plays, and discussion, pupils absorb values such as cooperation, honesty, responsibility, and respect for elders and peers.
The scheme also introduces pupils to the dangers of drug abuse and empowers them to make safe choices. This early awareness is essential for developing strong character and making informed decisions as children grow older. Teachers can use this weekly structure to plan lessons, develop assessments, and track learning outcomes effectively.
Parents and guardians also benefit from this guide by understanding what their children learn each week. They can support revision, discuss family values, and reinforce lessons on health and behavior at home.
Primary 3 Social Studies Scheme of Work – (First Term)
| Week | Topic | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meaning and Types of Family | i. Define family ii. Mention types of family iii. Differentiate between types iv. Draw a family tree |
| 2 | Members of Nuclear and Extended Family | i. Identify nuclear and extended family ii. Show respect to family members iii. List members of each family type |
| 3 | Functions/Roles of Extended Family Members | i. Explain family roles in child upbringing ii. Compare roles of family members iii. Demonstrate child’s role in the family |
| 4 | Meaning of Marriage | i. Explain meaning of marriage ii. Decide appropriate marriage age iii. Discuss importance of marriage |
| 5 | Types of Marriage | i. Identify major types of marriage ii. Compare types of marriage iii. Explain marriage types in their culture |
| 6 | Marriage Practices in Nigeria | i. Describe how marriages are conducted ii. Explain religious practices in marriage iii. Compare practices across religions |
| 7 | Mid-Term Break | — |
| 8 | Objects Used in Marriage | i. List objects used in marriage ii. Differentiate marriage objects by religion iii. Compare religious marriage objects |
| 9 | Meaning and Types of Drugs | i. Define drugs ii. List common drugs in society iii. Mention proper ways to get drugs |
| 10 | Identification of Modern Medicines/Drugs | i. Identify common modern drugs ii. Classify drugs (tablet, syrup, ointment, injection) iii. Mention ways of taking drugs |
| 11 | Identification of Local Herbs and Drugs | i. Define herbs ii. Mention herb components iii. Classify herbs (seeds, leaves, barks) |
| 12 | Examination | Review and assess learning outcomes |
The Primary 3 First Term Social Studies Scheme of Work helps children understand the structure and values of the Nigerian family system. By studying different types of families; nuclear, extended, single-parent, pupils learn about their roles, responsibilities, and the importance of family support in society.
This scheme also promotes civic responsibility and positive social behavior. Pupils explore how to live peacefully with others, cooperate with peers, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Teachers use class discussions and storytelling to reinforce respect, honesty, and empathy.
Through lessons on Nigerian marriage customs, pupils gain early exposure to cultural values and traditions. They learn the importance of commitment, roles of family members in marriage, and how marriages strengthen communities. These culturally-rooted topics help children appreciate Nigeria’s rich heritage.
Another vital part of the scheme is drug use education. The syllabus introduces the dangers of harmful substances and encourages pupils to say no to drugs. This awareness equips them with the ability to make safe, informed decisions that protect their health.
By following the NERDC-approved Primary 3 Social Studies scheme, educators ensure pupils are not only academically prepared but also socially and morally grounded for life in today’s Nigeria.
Tips for Effective Use
The Primary 3 First Term Social Studies Scheme of Work provides a practical roadmap for teaching vital topics such as family structure, cultural marriage practices, and drug education. Success in delivering this curriculum depends on strong collaboration between teachers, pupils, and parents.
Teachers should plan weekly lessons using creative tools like family trees, drawings, and role-plays. These interactive methods help pupils understand concepts such as family roles and Nigerian marriage traditions. Using real-life examples from the local community makes learning more relatable. During drug education, safe samples of common medications and herbs can be brought into the classroom (with care) to help pupils identify and differentiate between modern and local drugs. Regular use of oral questions, group discussions, and even short field trips enhances pupil engagement and understanding.
At home, parents can reinforce school lessons by encouraging children to talk about what they learned each week. Help them draw and label a family tree and discuss family roles. Share stories about your community’s marriage traditions to give cultural context. Support drug awareness by teaching your child to recognize common medicines and the importance of safe usage under adult supervision.
Pupils are encouraged to participate actively during class discussions, ask questions, and relate topics to their daily life. Completing homework, role-playing marriage customs, and interviewing elders about family traditions are all excellent ways to build understanding and confidence.
Conclusion
The Primary 3 Social Studies First Term Scheme of Work offers more than just weekly topics, it’s a holistic framework for shaping pupils into responsible, culturally aware, and health-conscious citizens. By focusing on family life, marriage customs, and basic drug education, the scheme aligns academic content with real-world experiences in Nigerian society. Teachers are encouraged to design interactive lessons using stories, visuals, and role-plays to enhance understanding. Parents play a vital role by reinforcing learning at home through discussion and supervised activities. Pupils, on their part, gain not only academic knowledge but practical life skills that nurture moral values and social responsibility. When used effectively, this curriculum helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and everyday living, ensuring that children grow with both the intellect and the character needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation at large.