Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson introduces students to the fundamental concepts of batik and resist dyeing. Teachers should prepare by gathering visual aids such as sample batik fabrics, wax, and dyes to make the explanation concrete. Emphasise safety precautions when handling hot wax or dyes. By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to clearly define batik and the principle of resist dyeing.
Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Dyeing and Bleaching
Curriculum Theme: Textile Arts
Previous Lesson:
Topic: BATIK (WAX RESIST) – BATIK AND RESIST
Subject Matter: The teacher explains the meaning of batik and resist. The students listen and participate
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Define batik as a wax-resist dyeing technique.
- Explain the meaning of “resist” in the context of textile dyeing.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate batik as a traditional art form.
- Show interest in learning about different dyeing techniques.
Psychomotor Domain
- Identify materials commonly used in batik and resist dyeing.
- Observe and describe the basic principle of resist dyeing.
Social Domain
- Participate actively in class discussions about batik.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- A suitable Fine Art or Cultural and Creative Arts textbook for SS 3
- FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Samples of batik fabric (finished and unfinished)
- Pictures or charts illustrating batik patterns and processes
- Small pieces of plain white fabric
- Wax (e.g., paraffin wax, beeswax)
- Small container of dye
- Brushes or tjantings (if available)
- Heat source (e.g., electric hot plate or candle for demonstration of wax melting, with strict safety measures)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson introduces students to batik, a significant traditional textile art form, and the underlying principle of resist dyeing. Understanding these concepts provides a foundation for appreciating cultural heritage and developing practical skills in textile design. It also helps students grasp how different materials can be manipulated to create unique artistic effects.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have basic knowledge of textile materials and an understanding of simple art and craft concepts from their junior secondary classes.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
BATIK (WAX RESIST) – BATIK AND RESIST
Meaning of Batik
Batik is a traditional wax-resist dyeing technique used to create intricate patterns on fabric. It originated in Indonesia and is renowned for its detailed designs and vibrant colours. The word “batik” is believed to be derived from the Javanese word “amba,” meaning to write, and “titik,” meaning dot or point.
The process of batik involves applying molten wax to areas of a fabric that are intended to remain undyed. The fabric is then immersed in a dye bath. The wax acts as a resist, preventing the dye from penetrating the waxed areas. After dyeing, the wax is removed, revealing the protected pattern against the dyed background. This process can be repeated with different colours and wax applications to create multi-coloured and complex designs.
Meaning of Resist
In the context of textile dyeing, “resist” refers to any substance or method used to prevent dye from reaching certain areas of a fabric. The purpose of a resist is to create a pattern by leaving specific parts of the fabric undyed or dyed in a different colour from the surrounding areas.
Common resist materials and techniques include:
- Wax: As used in batik, molten wax is applied to the fabric.
- Starch Paste: A thick paste made from starch can be applied to fabric to block dye.
- Tie-Dyeing: Fabric is tied, folded, or pleated and secured with string or rubber bands to create patterns where the dye cannot penetrate.
- Stitching: Areas of fabric are tightly stitched together to prevent dye absorption.
- Clamping: Fabric is folded and clamped between two pieces of wood or other materials.
The principle of resist dyeing is based on the physical barrier created by the resist material, which prevents the dye molecules from bonding with the fabric fibres in the protected areas.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Explanation, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating Prior Knowledge
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various samples of patterned fabrics, including at least one batik sample, and asks students to identify how the patterns might have been created.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the fabrics and offer their ideas on how the patterns were made.
Learning Point: Introduction to patterned fabrics
Step 2: Explanation of Batik
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher formally introduces the topic “Batik (Wax Resist)” and explains the meaning of batik as a wax-resist dyeing technique, showing the batik samples and pointing out the wax-protected areas. The teacher may briefly demonstrate applying wax to a small fabric piece.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively, observe the samples and demonstration, and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Meaning of batik
Step 3: Discussion on Batik Origin and Process
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher elaborates on the origin of batik (Indonesia) and briefly describes the general process: waxing, dyeing, and de-waxing, using charts or pictures to illustrate the stages.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, take notes, and contribute to the discussion by asking about specific steps or tools.
Learning Point: Batik origin and process
Step 4: Explanation of “Resist”
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Definition/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the general concept of “resist” in dyeing, defining it as any substance or method that prevents dye from penetrating certain areas of fabric. The teacher provides examples of different resist materials and techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and try to relate the concept of resist to the batik explanation.
Learning Point: Meaning of resist
Step 5: Examples of Resist Techniques
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Examples
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows visual examples or briefly describes other resist techniques like tie-dyeing, starch paste, or clamping, to broaden students’ understanding of the resist principle.
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the examples and identify the resist element in each technique.
Learning Point: Examples of resist techniques
Step 6: Application of Resist Principle
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks students to think of everyday scenarios where a “resist” principle is applied (e.g., masking tape when painting). This helps solidify the abstract concept.
Pupils’ Activity: Students brainstorm and share their ideas, connecting the concept to real-life situations.
Learning Point: Resist principle application
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is batik?
- Explain the meaning of “resist” in textile dyeing.
- Mention two materials that can act as a resist.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Understanding batik and resist
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of batik and resist into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson notes
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarising/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions of batik and resist, and encourages students to observe batik patterns in their environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s key takeaways.
Learning Point: Lesson consolidation
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:
- In your own words, describe the basic principle of how batik patterns are created.
- List three different materials or methods that can be used as a resist in dyeing, apart from wax.
- Find and bring to class a small piece of fabric or a picture that you think uses a resist dyeing technique.
Lesson Keywords
- Batik – A wax-resist dyeing technique for fabric.
- Resist – A substance or method used to prevent dye from colouring certain areas of fabric.
- Dyeing – The process of imparting colour to textiles.
- Wax – A material used as a resist in batik.
- Tjanting – A traditional tool used to apply wax in batik.
Differentiation
For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research different cultural variations of resist dyeing. For students needing more support, provide simplified diagrams of the batik process and allow them to work in pairs to discuss the definitions.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For visual demonstrations of batik and resist dyeing, search on YouTube for: batik wax resist dyeing process SS3

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