Basic 9 Religious and Moral Education Term 1 Week 8 Lesson Plan

Play snippets of music, sounds, or show pictures from various Ghanaian festivals. Ask students, "What do all these sounds and images have in common? Why are they significant to people?" Share performance indicators with learners and introduce the lesson.

Concrete-resource task: Set out these resources for each group: Kente cloth sample; Festival drum; Printed photographs of Homowo and Hogbetsotso. Learners respectfully examine and compare the objects and printed examples, and refer to them as evidence during the discussion below. Ask students to share what comes to their mind when they hear the word 'festival'. write their responses on the board. Discuss the various responses and collectively build a class definition for 'festival'. Introduce the two primary types of festivals in Ghana: Agricultural Festivals and Ancestral/Historical Festivals. For Agricultural Festivals, discuss their significance in celebrating the bounties of nature and harvest. Give examples like the Yam Festival. For Ancestral/Historical Festivals, explain their importance in remembering and celebrating ancestors or significant historical events. Offer examples like the Akwasidae Festival. Divide the students into small groups and assign each group either an agricultural or ancestral/historical festival. Each group conducts brief research (using books, digital tools, or prior knowledge) to gather details about their assigned festival. Ask each group to create a short presentation or visual aid (like a poster) highlighting the key aspects of their festival: its significance, how it's celebrated, and its impact on the community. Groups present their findings to the class. Encourage interactive discussions after each presentation to consolidate understanding and share perspectives. Assessment 1. How would you define a 'festival' based on our class discussion? 2. Name one Agricultural Festival in Ghana and explain its significance. 3. What is the purpose of Ancestral/Historical Festivals? 4. Can you give an example of an Ancestral/Historical Festival in Ghana and describe its main features? Revise with learners to state the types of festivals in Ghana. Have learners brainstorm and describe the significance of Agricultural festivals and list examples. Celebrated to thank God, the gods and ancestors for a good harvest and ask for more in the coming year.

Use peer discussion and effective questioning to find out from learners what they have learnt during the lesson

Display vibrant images or short video clips from the Bakatue, Yam Festival, and Homowo festivals. Ask students, "What emotions and themes do these images and clips evoke? Why might these celebrations be vital for communities?" Share performance indicators with learners and introduce the lesson.

Concrete-resource task: Set out these resources for each group: Kente cloth sample; Festival drum; Printed photographs of Homowo and Hogbetsotso. Learners respectfully examine and compare the objects and printed examples, and refer to them as evidence during the discussion below. Examples are Bakatue (Elmina) and Yam Festival (Tedudu - Peki) Guide learners to describe and demonstrate activities which take place during the celebration of Agricultural festivals (Bakatue -Elmina and Yam Festival- Tedudu - Peki and Homowo-Ga ) - For Bakatue (Elmina): Celebrated by the people of Elmina, Ghana, in July, Bakatue marks the start of the fishing season. The festival features a procession of decorated canoes, traditional rituals, and communal gatherings, all expressing gratitude for the fishing season. - For Yam Festival (Tedudu - Peki): A harvest celebration in Tedudu-Peki marking the significance of yams. The first yam is offered to gods and ancestors, followed by festivities that include dancing, drumming, and yam feasts. - For Homowo (Ga): Observed by the Ga people of Greater Accra, Ghana, Homowo commemorates a historical period of famine and its subsequent end. Held in August, it includes sowing maize, preparing a special dish called "kpokpoi," and various traditional performances. Noise-making is restricted in the lead- up to respect spirits and ancestors. Divide students into three groups, assigning each group one of the festivals. Provide each group with materials (like fabric for costumes, props, and music). Instruct them to prepare a short demonstration or enactment of a key activity from their assigned festival. Each group presents their demonstration to the class. Encourage applause and participation from the audience to create a festive atmosphere. Assessment 1. What is a festival, and why is it celebrated? 2. Why is the Yam Festival celebrated, and what is its key activity? 3. Describe one major activity that takes place during the Bakatue festival. 4. How does the Homowo festival reflect the history and resilience of the Ga community?

Take feedback from learners and summarize the lesson.