Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Dying and Bleaching
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Formation of Motif: Stencil Cutting and Format Area.
Topic: FORMATION OF TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MOTIF.
Subject Matter: meaning of traditional African motif, examples of local motifs such as animal and foliage forms, sketching a motif, producing motif on cardboard, cutting motif to form a stencil

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define traditional African motif.
Identify examples of local motifs.
Describe the steps involved in sketching a motif.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the cultural significance of traditional African motifs.
Value the skill of creating motifs for use in textile design.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch a traditional African motif.
Transfer a sketched motif onto cardboard.
Cut a motif from cardboard to form a stencil.

Collaborate with peers during practical activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (Senior Secondary).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Arts and Crafts.
Ojo, A. (2018). Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools 1. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
https://www.pinterest.com/nigerianmotifs
https://www.youtube.com/watch-stencil-making

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Cardboard sheets
Pencils
Motif sample pictures (e.g., printed images of animal and foliage forms)
Scissors or craft knife
Ruler
Eraser

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand and appreciate the rich artistic heritage of Africa through traditional motifs. Learning to create these motifs and stencils provides a foundational skill for various practical applications, especially in textile design and other craft forms, enabling pupils to potentially develop vocational skills.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of drawing simple shapes and patterns. They may also have seen various patterns on local fabrics or crafts.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FORMATION OF TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MOTIF

Meaning of Traditional African Motif

A traditional African motif is a recurring decorative design or pattern, often inspired by nature, cultural symbols, or everyday objects, that is characteristic of African art and culture. These motifs are used to beautify textiles, pottery, carvings, and other artworks.

Examples of Local Motifs

Traditional African motifs are often drawn from the environment and cultural practices. The following are common examples:

Animal forms: Such as lizards, birds, fish, or elephants, often stylized.
Foliage forms: Designs inspired by leaves, flowers, trees, or other plant elements.
Geometric patterns: Shapes like circles, triangles, squares, and lines arranged in repetitive designs.
Human figures: Stylized representations of people or parts of the human body.
Symbolic objects: Designs representing tools, masks, or other culturally significant items.

Steps for Sketching a Motif

Sketching a motif involves creating an initial drawing of the desired design. The following are the steps:

Step 1: Idea Generation: Choose a subject for the motif (e.g., a specific animal, leaf, or geometric shape).
Step 2: Basic Outline: Lightly sketch the main shape or form of the motif on paper.
Step 3: Add Details: Introduce smaller features, textures, or internal patterns to the basic outline.
Step 4: Refinement: Clean up lines, erase unnecessary marks, and ensure the design is balanced and clear.
Step 5: Stylization (Optional): Simplify or exaggerate features to give the motif a unique artistic touch, typical of traditional designs.

Producing Motif on Cardboard and Cutting a Stencil

A stencil is a thin sheet of material (like cardboard) with a design cut out of it, used to reproduce the design by applying paint or dye through the cut-out areas. The following are the steps to produce a motif on cardboard and cut it into a stencil:

Step 1: Prepare Cardboard: Cut a suitable size of cardboard for the motif.
Step 2: Transfer Motif: Carefully trace or redraw the sketched motif onto the cardboard using a pencil. Ensure the lines are clear.
Step 3: Secure Cardboard: Place the cardboard on a cutting mat or a protective surface.
Step 4: Cut the Motif: Using a pair of scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut along the lines of the motif. Ensure that the internal parts of the design that need to be open for printing are completely removed, while the surrounding areas remain intact to form the stencil.
Step 5: Refine Edges: Smooth out any rough edges of the cut-out design to ensure a clean stencil.

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 showing them various fabrics or pictures of artworks with traditional African patterns. The teacher asks pupils what they observe about the patterns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and observe the patterns shown.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to traditional African patterns and their decorative nature.

Step 2: Meaning of Traditional African Motif

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of a traditional African motif, emphasizing its cultural significance and use in various art forms. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and copy the definition into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what a traditional African motif is.

Step 3: Examples of Local Motifs

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Categorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various pictures of traditional African motifs (animal forms, foliage forms, geometric patterns) and discusses examples with the pupils, highlighting their origins and meanings where possible. The teacher lists examples on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, identify different types of motifs, and contribute their own examples if known. They copy the examples.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and differentiate between various local motifs.

Step 4: Steps for Sketching a Motif

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the steps for sketching a simple motif on paper, guiding pupils through idea generation, basic outlining, adding details, and refinement. The teacher encourages pupils to practice sketching.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, follow along by sketching simple motifs in their sketchbooks or on scrap paper, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps involved in sketching a motif.

Step 5: Transferring Motif to Cardboard

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to select one of their sketched motifs and transfer it onto a piece of cardboard using pencils. The teacher ensures that the lines are clear and visible on the cardboard.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully transfer their chosen motif onto cardboard, seeking assistance from the teacher as needed.
Learning Point: Pupils develop the skill of transferring a design accurately to a new surface.

Step 6: Cutting Motif to Form a Stencil

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to carefully cut out the motif from the cardboard using scissors or a craft knife to create a stencil. The teacher emphasizes safety precautions and supervises pupils as they cut their own motifs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully cut out their motifs from the cardboard to form stencils, following the teacher’s instructions and safety guidelines.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience in creating a stencil from a motif.

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 a traditional African motif?
Mention two examples of traditional African motifs.
State three steps involved in sketching a motif.
Describe how you would cut a motif from cardboard to form a stencil.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of traditional African motifs and the skills learned. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to refine their stencils or create another motif.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to practice further.

Lesson Keywords

Motif – A decorative design or pattern, especially a repeated one, forming part of a larger design.
Traditional – Existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established.
African Motif – A decorative design or pattern originating from or characteristic of African cultures.
Foliage – The leaves of a plant or tree.
Stencil – A thin sheet of material (e.g., cardboard) with a design cut out of it, used to produce the design on a surface by applying pigment through the cut-out.
Stylized – Depicted or treated in a manner that is not naturalistic but uses simplified or exaggerated forms.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to create more complex motifs or explore different cutting techniques. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide closer supervision and simpler motif examples, offering one-on-one assistance during practical activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a safe environment for cutting activities, especially when pupils are using craft knives. Provide clear, step-by-step demonstrations for all practical aspects. Encourage creativity and the use of locally relevant motifs. Prepare sufficient materials beforehand for all pupils.