Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Dying and Bleaching
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Marbling in Two Colours: Twisting and Splashing Method.
Topic: BOLTING METHOD; Meaning of bolting, and crossing of iron or wood in the dye.
Subject Matter: meaning of bolting method, folding cloth for bolting, using wood or iron crossings to form desired pattern, securing cloth before dyeing.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define the bolting method in fabric dyeing.
- Explain the purpose of using wood or iron crossings in bolting.
- List the key steps involved in preparing a cloth for the bolting method.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the artistic possibilities of the bolting method for fabric decoration.
- Show interest in creating various patterns using the bolting technique.
- Value the skill of fabric embellishment through resist dyeing.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Correctly fold a cloth in preparation for the bolting method.
- Accurately place wood or iron pieces on the folded cloth to form a desired pattern.
- Securely tie the cloth and the wood/iron pieces before the dyeing process.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers during practical folding and securing activities.
- Share ideas and techniques for creating patterns using bolting.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA).
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) SSS 1.
- Federal Ministry of Education. (2007). Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools. Abuja: NERDC.
- Akinola, O. (2010). Textbook on Dyeing and Bleaching for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Educational Publishers.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Cotton cloth pieces
- Wooden sticks or flat wood pieces
- String or raffia
- Dyes (e.g., cold water dyes)
- Basins for dyeing
- Gloves for protection
- Sample of a fabric decorated using the bolting method
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson introduces pupils to the bolting method, a resist dyeing technique. Understanding this method helps pupils to create unique fabric patterns, developing their creativity and practical skills in textile design. It also shows them how simple materials can be used to produce beautiful craft items.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have basic knowledge of fabric dyeing and other simple resist dyeing techniques like tie-dye.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
BOLTING METHOD
Meaning of Bolting Method
The bolting method is a resist dyeing technique where fabric is folded, and then pieces of wood or iron are placed on specific areas before being tightly secured with string or raffia. These secured areas resist the dye, creating un-dyed patterns when the fabric is immersed in a dye bath.
Steps in the Bolting Method
The following are the general steps involved in the bolting method:
- Prepare the fabric by washing and drying it.
- Fold the fabric in a desired manner (e.g., accordion, pleats).
- Place wooden sticks, flat wood pieces, or iron bars on the folded fabric to create the intended pattern.
- Securely tie the fabric and the wood/iron pieces together using string or raffia.
- Immerse the secured fabric into a dye bath.
- Allow the fabric to soak in the dye for the required time.
- Remove the fabric, rinse it, untie the wood/iron pieces, and then wash and dry the finished fabric.
Folding Cloth for Bolting
The way a cloth is folded greatly influences the final pattern. Common folding techniques include accordion folds, pleats, or simple flat folds. The aim is to create surfaces where the wood or iron pieces can be placed to block the dye.
Using Wood or Iron Crossings to Form Desired Patterns
Wood or iron pieces are used as resist agents. They are placed over the folded fabric in specific arrangements (e.g., parallel, criss-cross, geometric shapes) to prevent the dye from reaching those areas. The shapes and sizes of the wood/iron pieces determine the design of the un-dyed patterns.
Securing Cloth Before Dyeing
It is important to secure the cloth and the wood/iron pieces very tightly using strong string or raffia. This tight binding ensures that the dye does not seep into the areas covered by the resist materials, resulting in clear and defined patterns after dyeing.
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, reviews the previous lesson on basic tie-dye, and then shows a sample of a fabric decorated using the bolting method, asking pupils what they observe about the pattern.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings, recall the previous lesson, and observe the sample fabric, sharing their observations about the pattern.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and link the new lesson to prior knowledge of fabric decoration.
Step 2: Explanation of Bolting Method
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher formally introduces the topic “Bolting Method” and explains its meaning as a resist dyeing technique involving folding fabric and securing it with wood or iron pieces before dyeing. The teacher writes key definitions on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic concept of the bolting method.
Step 3: Demonstration of Folding and Placing Resist Materials
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Using a piece of cotton cloth and some wooden sticks, the teacher demonstrates how to fold the cloth (e.g., accordion fold) and then carefully place the wooden sticks or flat wood pieces on the folded fabric to create a simple pattern.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration closely, paying attention to the folding technique and placement of the resist materials.
Learning Point: Pupils observe the practical steps of folding and placing resist materials.
Step 4: Pupils Practice Folding and Placing
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes cotton cloth pieces and wooden/iron pieces to groups of pupils and guides them to practice folding the cloth and placing the resist materials to form their desired patterns. The teacher moves around to offer assistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to practice folding their cloths and arranging the wood or iron pieces according to their chosen patterns.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in folding and pattern arrangement for bolting.
Step 5: Demonstration of Securing the Cloth
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to tightly secure the folded cloth with the placed wood/iron pieces using string or raffia. The teacher emphasizes the importance of tight binding to prevent dye seepage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration of securing the fabric and resist materials.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the technique and importance of securing the fabric tightly.
Step 6: Pupils Practice Securing
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to secure their folded cloths and resist materials tightly with string or raffia. The teacher provides support and corrects any loose bindings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice securing their prepared cloths and resist materials, ensuring they are tightly bound.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience in securely binding the fabric for dyeing.
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 the bolting method in fabric dyeing?
- Mention two materials that can be used for crossing in the bolting method.
- State two steps involved in preparing a cloth for bolting before dyeing.
- Why is it important to secure the cloth and wooden/iron pieces tightly before dyeing?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the meaning of bolting and the importance of correct folding and securing. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to research different patterns that can be created using the bolting method.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to explore further.
Lesson Keywords
- Bolting – A resist dyeing method where fabric is folded and tied with wood/iron to create patterns.
- Dyeing – The process of adding colour to textile products.
- Resist Dyeing – Any method where parts of a fabric are protected from dye to create a pattern.
- Pattern – A repeated decorative design.
- Securing – The act of fastening or tying something firmly.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to design more complex patterns using various folding techniques and resist material arrangements. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide pre-folded cloth or simpler geometric shapes of wood/iron, offering one-on-one guidance during practical sessions.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure all materials are readily available before the practical session. Emphasize safety when handling dyes and ensure good ventilation if actual dyeing is to be carried out (though this lesson focuses on preparation). Encourage creativity in pattern design, but also stress the importance of tight binding for clear results.





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