I’ll never forget the day little Sade walked into my class with smudges of engine oil on her uniform. “Aunty, I followed Uncle Kunle to fix his keke,” she said proudly, holding up a rusty bolt like it was gold. That moment unlocked something in me: children don’t just learn by books—they learn by watching life unfold. And what better place to start than a mechanic workshop?
In this lesson, we’re not just talking about engines, bolts, and spanners. We’re opening up our pupils’ minds to the heartbeat of local innovation—the hands that keep our roads moving. This is not theory for theory’s sake. This is the life many of their uncles, neighbors, and even parents live daily.
Introduction: Where Do Cars Go When They Are Sick?
Teacher: “Class, have you ever seen a car making funny noises like kpra kpra kpra?”
Learners: [giggle] “Yes! My daddy’s car did that last week!”
“Uncle’s car stopped and didn’t move again!”
Teacher: “That means the car was sick! But instead of going to the hospital like humans do, cars go to a special place called a mechanic workshop.”
That’s how we open the doors of curiosity in our children’s minds—using familiar experiences, laughter, and storytelling.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:
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Define what a mechanic workshop is
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Name the professionals who work in a workshop
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List at least 4 tools used by mechanics
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Identify activities done in the workshop
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Share their own experiences related to mechanics or broken cars
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Understand simple safety tips for visiting such places
Key Terms and Meanings:
| Term | Meaning (Child-Friendly) |
|---|---|
| Mechanic | A person who repairs cars and machines |
| Workshop | A place where fixing and repairs are done |
| Spanner | A tool used to loosen or tighten bolts |
| Jack | A tool to lift cars up |
| Apprentice | A person learning to be a mechanic |
| Auto Electrician | A mechanic who fixes car electrical problems |
Set Induction (Funny Classroom Banter):
Teacher: “Who here has seen a car stopped in the middle of the road before?”
Learners: “Yes!”
Teacher: “Did you see a man with black face and oily hands trying to fix it?”
Learners: [laughing] “Yes! He was under the car!”
Teacher: “Exactly! That man is a mechanic. Today we’re going inside his world.”
Entry Behaviour:
Pupils already have indirect knowledge from seeing roadside workshops, broken-down vehicles, or hearing stories at home. Some may have accompanied their parents to a mechanic.
Learning Resources:
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Toy cars or model vehicles
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Real mechanic tools (or plastic replicas)
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Images of a mechanic workshop
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Short cartoon videos (optional)
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Flashcards with tool names
Building Background Knowledge: Real-Life Tie-In
Mechanic workshops are often seen in our neighborhoods. Some are small roadside sheds; others are bigger garages with many workers. Every family, school, and community depends on vehicles to move—and every vehicle depends on mechanics.
This makes the mechanic workshop a vital part of daily life. Even school buses go for regular servicing!
Who Is a Mechanic?
A mechanic is a skilled person who repairs and services machines, especially vehicles like cars, buses, and motorcycles. Mechanics are like doctors for cars.
They work with their hands, use different tools, and wear protective gear. Their job is not only important—it’s also full of problem-solving!
What Happens Inside a Mechanic Workshop?
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Inspection: The mechanic checks what is wrong with the vehicle.
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Diagnosis: He listens to the engine, checks the tires, and looks under the bonnet.
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Repair: He uses tools to fix the problem—maybe change the battery or replace the oil.
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Testing: After repairs, the mechanic drives or starts the car to test it.
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Servicing: Sometimes, even if the car is not broken, it needs oil change, brake check, or engine cleaning.
Common Tools Used by Mechanics:
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Spanner | Tightens or loosens bolts |
| Screwdriver | Turns screws |
| Jack | Lifts vehicles up for work underneath |
| Wrench | Grips round objects like pipes |
| Pliers | Bends or holds wires and materials |
| Hammer | Taps or knocks parts into place |
People You’ll Find in a Workshop:
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Main Mechanic: The expert who knows all the tricks
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Apprentice: A learner who watches and helps
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Auto Electrician: Specializes in car wires, lights, and batteries
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Spare Parts Seller: Nearby or within the workshop
Classroom Story: Emeka and the Flat Tyre Adventure
One rainy morning, Emeka and his mummy were going to school. Suddenly gboooah!—the car tire burst. They stopped by the roadside. Mummy called a mechanic on the phone.
Soon, a smiling man in oily clothes arrived with his tools. He raised the car with a jack, removed the bad tire, and replaced it. Emeka watched with big eyes.
When they got to school, he shouted:
“Teacher! I saw a mechanic today! He lifted our car with a metal stick!”
That’s how real-life moments build classroom bridges.
Safety in a Mechanic Workshop:
Children should:
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Never touch sharp tools
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Avoid playing near cars being fixed
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Listen carefully when visiting with adults
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Always wear shoes if stepping into a workshop
Classroom Questions for Discussion:
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What is a mechanic workshop?
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What does a mechanic do?
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Name three tools found in the workshop.
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Why do cars go to the mechanic?
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Have you ever visited a mechanic? What did you see?
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What is a jack used for?
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Who is an apprentice?
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Can you name an activity done in a workshop?
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Is it safe to run around in a workshop? Why?
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What should you wear in a workshop?
Practical Class Activities:
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Tool Matching Game: Match flashcard images to their names
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Draw Your Favorite Tool: Pupils sketch and color tools
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Pretend Workshop Corner: Pupils act as mechanics, apprentices, and customers
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Real-Tool Observation: Invite a local mechanic or show real tools in class
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Class Debate: “Mechanics Are Everyday Heroes – Yes or No?”
Fill-in-the-Gap Objective Questions:
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A person who repairs cars is a ______.
a) doctor b) teacher c) mechanic d) pilot -
A place where mechanics work is called a ______.
a) kitchen b) workshop c) bank d) school -
A tool used to turn screws is a ______.
a) pen b) screwdriver c) book d) tyre -
The tool that lifts cars is called a ______.
a) jack b) brush c) chalk d) desk -
A learner in the workshop is called an ______.
a) teacher b) apprentice c) farmer d) singer -
The mechanic fixes cars using ______.
a) games b) tools c) toys d) rice -
A ______ is used to loosen bolts.
a) spoon b) chair c) spanner d) glue -
When a car stops working, it is said to be ______.
a) happy b) new c) sick d) cold -
The mechanic uses a ______ to hit objects.
a) hammer b) ruler c) shoe d) plate -
Oil is changed to keep the ______ clean.
a) light b) seats c) engine d) mirror
Theory (Essay) Questions:
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What is the job of a mechanic?
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Mention four tools found in a mechanic workshop.
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Describe what a jack is used for.
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Who is an apprentice?
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List two activities done in a workshop.
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Have you visited a mechanic workshop before? What did you see?
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What should children not do in a workshop?
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Why do people need mechanics?
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Draw and label a spanner.
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What safety rule should you follow in a mechanic workshop?
Assessment Tips:
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Ask pupils to describe what happens when a car breaks down
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Show them tools and ask them to name them
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Let them act out a workshop situation
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Give drawing exercises (label tools)
Conclusion:
A mechanic workshop may not have shiny floors like our classrooms, but it is a place where magic happens for machines. From fixing flat tires to servicing noisy engines, mechanics are vital workers in our community. Next time your car breaks down, thank the nearest mechanic—it could be one of your pupils someday!
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