Skip to content
HeadTeacher.ng
Lesson Notes

Lesson Note on Framing Joints Mortise and Tenon for SSS 1

This lesson note on framing joints for SSS 1 explains mortise and tenon joints with practical construction.

ByPublishedJan 29, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Carpentry And Joinery
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship Trade Subjects
Previous Lesson: Housing Joints.
Topic: IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON JOINTS – Framing Joints
Subject Matter: mortise joints, tenon joints, construction of small stool

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define framing joints.
  • Identify the components of a mortise and tenon joint.
  • Explain the steps involved in making a mortise and tenon joint.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of accurate joint making in carpentry.
  • Show interest in learning practical carpentry skills.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Demonstrate the preparation of wood for a mortise and tenon joint.
  • Construct a simple mortise and tenon joint.
  • Begin the assembly of a small stool using framing joints.

Social Domain:

  • Work collaboratively with peers during practical activities.
  • Adhere to safety regulations while using carpentry tools.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Trade Subjects.
  • State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Carpentry and Joinery.
  • Carpentry and Joinery for Senior Secondary Schools by A. O. Adebayo.
  • Links for Reference materials: [Insert relevant links here]

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Timber pieces (e.g., soft wood, hard wood)
  • Hand tools (e.g., chisels, mallets, saws, marking gauge, try square, measuring tape, pencil)
  • Workbench or sturdy table
  • Safety goggles
  • Prepared samples of mortise and tenon joints
  • A partially constructed small stool

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to join pieces of wood securely, a fundamental skill in carpentry. Learning about framing joints and constructing a stool enables pupils to build useful items and apply practical knowledge to real-world projects.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of carpentry tools and their uses, as well as an understanding of simple wood measurements.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON JOINTS – Framing Joints

Framing Joints

Framing joints are used to connect two or more pieces of timber, typically at right angles, to form a frame or structure. These joints are designed to provide strength and rigidity to the framework.

Mortise and Tenon Joint

A mortise and tenon joint is a strong and traditional carpentry joint used to connect two pieces of wood, usually at 90 degrees. It consists of two main parts:

  • Mortise: This is a rectangular hole or slot cut into one piece of timber.
  • Tenon: This is a projecting piece of wood, usually rectangular, that fits snugly into the mortise.

The following are general steps for making a mortise and tenon joint:

  • Marking out the mortise and tenon accurately on both pieces of timber.
  • Cutting the mortise using a chisel and mallet, removing waste material carefully.
  • Cutting the tenon to the correct size and shape to fit the mortise.
  • Testing the fit of the joint and making any necessary adjustments for a snug connection.

Construction of a Small Stool

Constructing a small stool involves joining various timber components using framing joints, such as mortise and tenon joints. The process generally includes:

  • Cutting the timber pieces to the required dimensions for the legs, rails, and seat.
  • Marking out and cutting the mortises and tenons on the leg and rail pieces.
  • Assembling the frame of the stool by fitting the tenons into the mortises.
  • Securing the joints with wood glue and clamps, or pegs if desired.
  • Attaching the seat to the assembled frame.
  • Finishing the stool by sanding and applying a protective coating.

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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the new topic by asking pupils if they have seen how wooden tables or chairs are joined together. The teacher shows a sample of a wooden joint or a picture of one.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the samples.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect it to their prior knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of Framing Joints

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what framing joints are, their purpose, and where they are commonly used in carpentry. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and purpose of framing joints.

Step 3: Introduction to Mortise and Tenon Joint

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the mortise and tenon joint as a common type of framing joint. The teacher defines both the ‘mortise’ and the ‘tenon’ using prepared timber pieces to illustrate each part. The teacher also explains the strength and durability of this joint.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, identify the parts, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the components of a mortise and tenon joint.

Step 4: Demonstration of Making a Mortise and Tenon Joint

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the step-by-step process of marking out, cutting the mortise, and cutting the tenon on small pieces of timber. The teacher emphasizes accuracy and safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the demonstration carefully, noting the tools used and the techniques applied. They may ask questions about the process.
Learning Point: Pupils observe and understand the practical steps in making a mortise and tenon joint.

Step 5: Introduction to Stool Construction

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how mortise and tenon joints are used in constructing a small stool. The teacher shows a partially assembled stool and guides pupils on how they would begin to assemble the frame using the joints they just learned about. The teacher divides pupils into groups for a practical activity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the stool, discuss the application, and prepare to work in groups.
Learning Point: Pupils see the practical application of framing joints in building a structure like a stool.

Step 6: Practical Activity – Initial Construction of a Small Stool

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes timber pieces and tools to groups (if available) and supervises pupils as they begin to mark out or attempt to cut simple mortise and tenon joints for a small stool frame. The teacher offers assistance and corrects errors.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils, in groups, practice marking and cutting, or assemble pre-cut parts under teacher guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils develop hands-on skills in applying framing joints.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. What are framing joints?
  2. Define a mortise and tenon joint.
  3. Mention three general steps involved in making a mortise and tenon joint.
  4. List two tools used in constructing a small stool.

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 main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of accurate joint making and safety. The teacher assigns homework, which may include drawing and labeling a mortise and tenon joint.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask final questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for future lessons.

Lesson Keywords

  • Framing Joint – A joint used to connect timber pieces, typically at right angles, to form a frame.
  • Mortise – A rectangular hole or slot cut into a piece of wood.
  • Tenon – A projecting piece of wood shaped to fit into a mortise.
  • Carpentry – The skill of making and repairing wooden objects and structures.
  • Stool – A single-seat piece of furniture without a back or armrests.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to identify other types of framing joints or design a simple wooden object using a mortise and tenon joint. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide closer supervision during practical work, offer simplified diagrams, and provide pre-marked timber pieces for practice.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all safety precautions are in place before practical activities, especially when pupils are handling sharp tools. Emphasize the importance of accuracy in marking and cutting. If time or resources are limited, focus on a thorough demonstration and allow pupils to practice marking and dry-fitting joints rather than full construction.

Export this post
Lesson Note on Framing Joints Mortise and Tenon for SSS 1
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +