Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Painting And Decoration
Curriculum Theme: Visual Arts and Design
Previous Lesson: Design: Elements Of Design.
Topic: DESIGN
Subject Matter: Meaning of Principles of design/art, Examples of Principles of design/art (Balance, harmony, contrast, proportion, rhythm, repetition)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define principles of design.
List at least five examples of principles of design.
Explain the meaning of balance, harmony, and contrast in design.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of principles of design in creating visually appealing artworks.
Value the application of design principles in everyday objects and environments.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify different principles of design in given examples of artworks or charts.
Point out how rhythm and repetition are used in a design.

Discuss with peers the role of proportion in creating realistic or effective designs.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) / Visual Arts.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Painting And Decoration SSS 1.
Onobrakpeya, B. (2010). Visual Arts for Senior Secondary Schools. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.
https://www.theartstory.org/definition/principles-of-design/
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/02/design-principles-an-introduction/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Design charts showing examples of different principles.
Drawing sheets.
Markers.
Whiteboard/Blackboard.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental rules that govern how elements of art are arranged to create effective and visually pleasing designs. Understanding these principles enables pupils to critically analyze existing artworks and apply these concepts to their own creative work and daily observations.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have prior knowledge of the elements of art such as line, shape, colour, and texture from their previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

DESIGN

Meaning of Principles of Design/Art

The principles of design are the fundamental rules or guidelines that govern how the elements of art (like line, shape, colour, texture, space, form, and value) are organized and arranged within a composition to create an effective and aesthetically pleasing visual impact. They describe how an artist uses the elements of art.

Examples of Principles of Design/Art

The following are common principles of design/art:

Balance: This refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition. It can be symmetrical (identical on both sides), asymmetrical (different but visually balanced), or radial (elements arranged around a central point).
Harmony: Harmony is the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole. It is achieved when all the elements of a design work together to create a sense of unity and completeness.
Contrast: Contrast is the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth, large vs. small) in a composition. It creates visual interest, emphasizes certain areas, and adds drama to a design.
Proportion: Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of various elements in a design. It is the relationship between parts of a whole and the whole itself. Correct proportion helps to create a sense of realism and aesthetic appeal.
Rhythm: Rhythm is created by the repetition of visual elements, often with some variation, to create a sense of organized movement. It can lead the viewer’s eye through the artwork.
Repetition: This principle involves using a single element or a series of elements multiple times within a design. Repetition helps to unify the design, create a pattern, and reinforce an idea.

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 asks them to observe various objects in the classroom (e.g., arrangement of desks, patterns on textiles, pictures on the wall) and comment on what makes some arrangements more pleasing than others.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by sharing their observations about the arrangements and aesthetics of objects.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their interest in the topic is generated.

Step 2: Presentation of Objectives and Subject Matter

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Introduction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Design” with a focus on “Principles of Design.” The teacher then states the specific learning objectives for the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and note down the topic and subject matter.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what they are expected to learn by the end of the lesson.

Step 3: Explanation of Meaning of Principles of Design

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of principles of design, defining them as rules for organizing the elements of art. The teacher uses the design charts to illustrate how elements are arranged.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and purpose of principles of design.

Step 4: Examples of Principles of Design (Balance, Harmony)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Balance and Harmony as principles of design. Using design charts, the teacher points out examples of symmetrical, asymmetrical balance, and how harmony is achieved in different compositions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, listen to explanations, and identify balance and harmony in the examples shown.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to identify and explain Balance and Harmony in design.

Step 5: Examples of Principles of Design (Contrast, Proportion)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by explaining Contrast and Proportion. The teacher uses visual aids to demonstrate how contrast creates interest and how proportion relates to the scale of elements within a design.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention, compare and contrast the examples, and grasp the concepts of contrast and proportion.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can explain Contrast and Proportion in design.

Step 6: Examples of Principles of Design (Rhythm, Repetition)

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Rhythm and Repetition, showing how repeated elements create movement and unity in a design. The teacher encourages pupils to identify these principles in their textbooks or charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify rhythm and repetition in examples, and participate in a brief discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to explain Rhythm and Repetition in design.

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 are principles of design?
List four examples of principles of design.
Explain the principle of “Balance” in design.
How does “Contrast” help in making a design interesting?

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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of principles of design. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw a simple composition and identify at least three principles of design used in it.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are given an activity to practice their understanding.

Lesson Keywords

Design – The process of planning and creating something.
Principles of Design – Rules for organizing elements of art in a composition.
Balance – Distribution of visual weight in a design.
Harmony – A pleasing and consistent arrangement of elements.
Contrast – Difference between elements to create interest.
Proportion – The relative size and scale of elements.
Rhythm – Created by repetition of elements with variations to imply movement.
Repetition – The use of an element multiple times within a design.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to identify additional principles of design or analyze more complex artworks. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simpler examples, one-on-one guidance, and repeat explanations using various visual aids.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a variety of visual examples are prepared for each principle of design, including real-life objects, photographs, and drawings. Encourage pupils to actively participate by pointing out examples and discussing their observations. Emphasize that these principles are not rigid rules but flexible guidelines for creating effective visual communication.