Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Crafts and Design
Previous Lesson: Indigenous Decorative Motif: Wall Motifs and Cultural Origins.
Topic: INDIGENOUS CRAFT BASKETRY AND MAT MAKING
Subject Matter: Meaning of weaving (interlacing materials to form fabric or mat), weaving materials (cane, raffia, twine, palm frond)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define weaving.
Identify various materials used for weaving indigenous crafts.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the cultural significance of indigenous basketry and mat making.
Show interest in learning practical weaving skills.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate basic mat weaving techniques.
Correctly handle and use weaving materials.

Work cooperatively when sharing weaving materials.
Discuss the importance of preserving indigenous crafts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Lawal, O. A. (2018). Visual Arts for Senior Secondary Schools 2. Learn Africa Plc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0p78z7h7jM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-D5x45wO9s

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of woven mats and baskets
Raffia strands
Cane strips
Palm fronds
Twine
Cardboard strips
Scissors or knife
Gum and cellotape (for improvised materials)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand the traditional craft of weaving, which is an important part of Nigerian cultural heritage. Learning about basketry and mat making helps pupils appreciate indigenous skills and may inspire them to develop practical craft abilities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of art and craft and may have seen woven materials in their daily lives.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

INDIGENOUS CRAFT: BASKETRY AND MAT MAKING

Meaning of Weaving

Weaving is the process of interlacing two or more sets of strands or threads at right angles to form a fabric or other material. In indigenous craft, it involves manipulating natural fibers to create useful and decorative items like mats, baskets, and hats.

Weaving Materials

The following are common materials used for indigenous weaving:

Raffia: Fibers obtained from the raffia palm tree, known for their strength and flexibility, used for baskets, mats, and hats.
Cane: Stems from various climbing plants, often used for furniture, baskets, and sturdy mats due to their durability.
Twine: Strong thread or cord, typically made from natural fibers like cotton, jute, or hemp, used for intricate weaving and binding.
Palm Frond: The large leaves of palm trees, especially the midribs, which are dried and split for weaving mats and temporary shelters.
Grass/Reeds: Various types of long, flexible grasses and reeds are gathered and dried for weaving mats, screens, and simple baskets.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and introduces the topic by asking them to identify various woven items they use at home or see in the market. The teacher also displays samples of woven mats and baskets.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming woven items and observing the displayed samples.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of indigenous weaving and its relevance.

Step 2: Meaning of Weaving

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of weaving as the interlacing of materials to form fabric or mat, writing the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and copy the definition into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and define the term “weaving.”

Step 3: Identification of Weaving Materials

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Classification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various weaving materials such as raffia, cane, twine, and palm fronds. The teacher names each material and explains its source and use.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials, identify them, and note down their names and uses.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and recognize different materials used for indigenous weaving.

Step 4: Demonstration of Basic Weaving

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates a basic mat weaving technique using either actual raffia/cane or improvised materials like cardboard strips. The teacher explains each step clearly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully observe the teacher’s demonstration and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the fundamental steps involved in weaving.

Step 5: Practical Activity – Mat Weaving

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes weaving materials (e.g., raffia or cardboard strips) to pupils and guides them to practice the basic mat weaving technique demonstrated.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to weave a small mat following the teacher’s instructions and demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in weaving.

Step 6: Teacher Guidance and Supervision

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Coaching/Feedback
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher moves around the classroom, observing pupils’ progress, offering assistance, and correcting errors in their weaving techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils continue their practical work, seeking help when needed and making corrections based on the teacher’s feedback.
Learning Point: Pupils improve their weaving skills through guided practice.

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 weaving?
List three materials commonly used for indigenous weaving.
Demonstrate a basic weaving pattern with the provided strips.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of indigenous crafts. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to identify other woven items in their communities.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to observe crafts in their environment.

Lesson Keywords

Weaving – The process of interlacing materials to form fabric or mat.
Basketry – The art or craft of making baskets.
Mat making – The process of creating mats, typically by weaving.
Raffia – Fibers from the raffia palm used for weaving.
Cane – Stems of climbing plants used for weaving sturdy items.
Interlacing – Passing one material over and under another.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher can challenge them to try a more complex weaving pattern or design. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide one-on-one guidance and simpler weaving tasks, using larger, easier-to-handle materials.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure all materials are prepared and safe for use before the lesson. Emphasize safety when using sharp tools like knives or scissors. Encourage pupils to explore different weaving patterns and appreciate the cultural value of indigenous crafts. Encourage creativity and allow pupils to experiment with different material combinations if available.