Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson focuses on introducing Primary 1 pupils to common art materials and tools, their uses, and proper handling. Prepare a variety of actual art materials and tools like crayons, pencils, paper, scissors, and glue for demonstration and practical activities. Emphasise safety when handling tools like scissors and sharpeners. By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to recognise these items and demonstrate how to use them safely to create simple artworks.
Class: Primary One
Term: Second Term
Week: 9
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural & Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Arts and Crafts
Focal competence: Creating shapes and textures with lines
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking
Skills:
- Using basic art materials and tools to create artwork
Previous Lesson: Creating a Simple Artwork with Different Types of Lines
Topic: Art Materials And Tools
Subject Matter: Identification of basic art materials/tools and their uses
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify different art materials and tools.
- Explain the uses of selected basic art materials and tools.
- State the correct way to hold, store, or carry art materials and tools.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of art materials and tools.
- Practise safety measures when using art tools.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the correct way to hold basic art tools.
- Use basic art materials and tools to create simple artwork.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Cultural and Creative Arts for Primary 1 by A. O. Ojo and F. B. Musa
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Objects with these shapes: rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, star, square etc.
- Surfaces with rough and smooth textures.
- Teacher-made example or chart showing various art materials and tools.
- Actual art materials: drawing paper, crayons, pencils, erasers.
- Actual art tools: child-safe scissors, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson introduces pupils to the fundamental materials and tools used in art, which are essential for creative expression. Understanding these basics enables them to engage practically in art activities and develop their fine motor skills. It also fosters a sense of responsibility through learning proper handling and safety practices.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify some basic shapes and colours. They have also engaged in simple drawing and colouring activities.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Art Materials And Tools
What are Art Materials and Tools?
Art materials are things we use up when making art, like paper and crayons. Art tools are things we use to help us make art, like scissors and pencils, which we can use again and again.
Basic Art Materials and Their Uses
Here are some common art materials and what they are used for:
- Drawing Paper – Used for drawing, painting, and cutting.
- Crayons – Used for colouring drawings and making colourful designs.
- Pencils – Used for drawing lines, sketching, and writing.
- Erasers – Used for removing pencil marks or mistakes.
- Glue – Used for sticking pieces of paper or other materials together.
Basic Art Tools and Their Uses
Here are some common art tools and what they are used for:
- Scissors – Used for cutting paper and other soft materials into shapes.
- Pencil Sharpeners – Used for making pencils pointed so we can draw and write clearly.
Correct Handling and Storage of Art Materials and Tools
- Holding Pencils and Crayons – Hold them gently but firmly between your thumb and two fingers.
- Holding Scissors – Hold them by the handles with your thumb in one hole and a finger or two in the other.
- Storing Materials and Tools – Keep them neatly in a pencil case, box, or designated art corner after use.
- Carrying Materials and Tools – Carry them carefully, especially sharp tools, to avoid accidents.
Safety Tips for Art Tools
It is important to be safe when using art tools:
- Scissors – Always use child-safe scissors. Cut away from your body and never run with scissors. Pass scissors to others with the handle first.
- Sharpeners – Sharpen pencils carefully and point the sharpener away from your body. Dispose of pencil shavings properly in a dustbin.
- Glue – Use glue sticks or non-toxic liquid glue. Do not put glue in your mouth or near your eyes. Wash your hands after using glue.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity.
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some things they use for drawing or colouring at home or in school.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming items like crayons, pencils, and paper.
Learning Point: Recalling art items
Step 2: Identification of Art Materials
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows different art materials (paper, crayons, pencils, erasers, glue) one by one, states their names, and briefly explains their uses. The teacher asks pupils to repeat the names.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials, repeat their names, and listen to their uses.
Learning Point: Naming art materials
Step 3: Identification of Art Tools and Uses
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows different art tools (child-safe scissors, pencil sharpeners) one by one, states their names, and explains their uses. The teacher also demonstrates line patterns for shape/texture effects using a pencil or crayon.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the tools, repeat their names, listen to their uses, and observe the line pattern demonstration.
Learning Point: Naming art tools
Step 4: Proper Handling of Art Materials and Tools
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct way to hold a pencil, crayon, and child-safe scissors. The teacher also shows how to store and carry these items safely. Pupils are guided to practice holding them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations and practice holding the tools correctly.
Learning Point: Correct tool handling
Step 5: Safety with Art Tools
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses safety rules for using scissors, sharpeners, and glue, emphasising why it is important to be careful. The teacher asks pupils to suggest other safety tips.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to safety rules and contribute their own safety ideas.
Learning Point: Art tool safety
Step 6: Practical Activity – Creating a Textured Shape
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes paper, pencils, and crayons. The teacher guides pupils to draw a simple shape (e.g., a circle or square) and then use lines to create a simple texture inside it, applying the materials and tools learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils draw a shape and create a simple textured design using the provided materials.
Learning Point: Creating textured shapes
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Name two art materials you learned today.
- Name two art tools you learned today.
- What do we use a crayon for?
- How should you hold scissors when cutting?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Identifying art items
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes about art materials, tools, and their uses into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson notes
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reminding pupils that knowing their art materials and tools, and using them safely, helps them make beautiful artworks. The teacher praises their participation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and tidy up their workspaces.
Learning Point: Summarising art basics
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Draw and colour two of the art materials or tools you learned about today. Write their names next to your drawings.
- Draw a crayon.
- Draw a pair of scissors.
Lesson Keywords
- Materials – Things used up in art, like paper.
- Tools – Things used to help make art, like scissors.
- Crayon – A stick of coloured wax used for drawing and colouring.
- Pencil – A tool with a lead core used for writing and drawing.
- Scissors – A tool with two blades used for cutting.
- Sharpener – A tool used to make pencils pointed.
- Glue – A sticky substance used to join things together.
Differentiation
For weaker learners: Provide pre-drawn outlines of art materials/tools for them to colour and label. Offer one-on-one guidance during the practical activity. Use physical objects for identification rather than just charts.
For faster learners: Encourage them to draw more complex shapes or add more detailed textures during the practical activity. Ask them to name more uses for each material/tool or describe more safety rules.
Suggested Lesson Videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=basic+art+materials+and+tools+for+kids+primary+1
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, gather all the listed instructional materials, especially actual examples of paper, crayons, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, child-safe scissors, and pencil sharpeners. Ensure these are clean and in good working condition. Arrange the classroom to allow for easy demonstration and practical work. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about what they already know. When introducing each material or tool, clearly state its name and demonstrate its primary use. Pay extra attention to the safety rules for scissors, sharpeners, and glue, allowing pupils to practice safe handling under close supervision. Guide pupils carefully through the practical activity of creating a textured shape. During Step 8, ensure pupils copy the Board Summary accurately into their notebooks. Constantly check for understanding by asking questions and observing their practical engagement. Support pupils who are struggling by providing additional demonstrations or simpler tasks, and challenge faster learners with more complex creative prompts.

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