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Subject: Social Studies
Semester: 1
Period: 1
Week: 2
School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Social Studies
Grade Level: Grade 5
Date: Week 2
Week & Period: Week 2, Period 1
Topic: Counties of Liberia
Sub-topic: Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, Maryland, Bong, Cape Mount, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Grand Kru, Rivercess, Margibi, Bomi, River Gee, Gbarpolu
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- List the 15 counties of Liberia
- Identify the position of each county on the map
- Recall the capitals of each county
Previous Knowledge
Students know that Liberia is divided into smaller areas called counties.
Instructional Materials
Map of Liberia, county puzzle pieces, flashcards with county names and capitals
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher asks: “Who can name any county in Liberia?” Students take turns giving answers.
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Teacher begins by explaining that Liberia is divided into 15 counties, each forming part of the country’s political and administrative structure. Teacher explains that each county has a capital city where the local government is based. Teacher points out each county on a large map of Liberia, clearly mentioning its name and capital. Examples include Montserrado (Bensonville), Nimba (Sanniquellie), Bong (Gbarnga), Grand Bassa (Buchanan), and Lofa (Voinjama). Teacher explains that counties help in organizing government services, development projects, and resource management.
To make learning interactive, teacher demonstrates puzzle games where students can piece together parts of Liberia to form a complete map, helping them recognize the shape, location, and arrangement of counties. Teacher also shows blank outline maps for practice, emphasizing correct placement of counties and capitals.
Practical activities include tracing counties on maps, coloring each county differently, using a puzzle map to match counties with their locations, and presenting short facts about each county to the class. Teacher encourages learners to notice patterns, such as northern, southern, eastern, and western counties, and discuss any counties they have visited or learned about.
Learners’ Activities (Expanded)
• Students label the 15 counties on an outline map of Liberia, including their capitals.
• In small groups, each group is assigned a county and asked to present its location, neighboring counties, and capital to the class.
• Students participate in a puzzle activity, piecing together cut-out county shapes to form a complete Liberia map, reinforcing spatial awareness.
• Learners discuss why knowing counties is important, such as for travel, understanding local governance, and cultural awareness.
Assessment Checks
• Teacher asks oral questions: “Name three counties in Liberia and their capitals,” “Which county is located in the north?”
• Students complete a map labeling exercise individually or in pairs.
• Teacher observes group presentations and puzzle activities to ensure students can identify counties and capitals correctly.
Notes (Expanded & Detailed)
- Liberia is divided into 15 counties, each with a capital city where administrative offices are located.
- Examples of counties and capitals:
- Montserrado – Bensonville
- Nimba – Sanniquellie
- Bong – Gbarnga
- Grand Bassa – Buchanan
- Lofa – Voinjama
- Sinoe – Greenville
- Maryland – Harper
- Grand Gedeh – Zwedru
- Cape Mount – Robertsport
- Grand Kru – Barclayville
- Rivercess – Cestos City
- Margibi – Kakata
- Bomi – Tubmanburg
- River Gee – Fish Town
- Gbarpolu – Bopolu
- Counties are important for political organization, distribution of resources, development planning, and local governance.
- Practical methods like map puzzles, labeling exercises, and presentations help learners memorize counties and their capitals effectively.
Assignments / Home Activities
• Draw and label a map of Liberia showing all 15 counties and their capitals.
• Choose one county and write three interesting facts about it, including location, capital, and a natural or cultural feature.
• Research and list neighboring counties for three counties of your choice.
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Liberia has 15 counties, each with a unique position and capital.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Students write the names of three counties and their capitals.
Assignment (Expanded):
Create a table showing all 15 counties and their capitals.
Follow-up Activity:
Students research one fact about their county of origin and share in class.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Teacher uses visuals (maps, puzzles) to help weaker learners; advanced learners can be asked to locate counties without prompts.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☐ Medium ☐ Low