Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 11 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Cultural and Creative Arts
Previous Lesson: Imaginative Painting, Painting from Memory.
Topic: Imaginative Painting
Subject Matter: Imaginative Painting
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define imaginative painting.
- Explain what it means to paint from memory.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the freedom of expression in imaginative painting.
- Enjoy creating artworks from their own imagination and memories.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Create a simple imaginative painting based on a memory.
- Mix and apply colours appropriately to their artwork.
Social Domain:
- Share their imaginative paintings with classmates.
- Discuss and respect the different ideas expressed in their peers’ artwork.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Primary Schools
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Cultural and Creative Arts for Primary 6 Pupil’s Book
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Examples of imaginative paintings (e.g., pictures, prints)
- Drawing paper or cardboard
- Paints (watercolour or poster colours)
- Paintbrushes of various sizes
- Water containers
- Palettes or mixing trays
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils develop their creativity and ability to express ideas without relying on direct observation. It encourages them to use their imagination and memory to create unique artworks, fostering personal expression and artistic confidence.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have basic knowledge of drawing, colour mixing, and simple painting techniques.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Imaginative Painting
What is Imaginative Painting?
Imaginative painting is a type of art where you create pictures from your own thoughts, feelings, dreams, or memories, rather than by looking at something directly. It is about bringing what is inside your mind onto paper.
Painting from Memory
Painting from memory means using what you remember about an object, a person, a place, or an event to create an artwork. You do not need to see the thing in front of you; you use your mind’s eye.
Tips for painting from memory:
- Think of a clear image or scene you remember well (e.g., a market, a festival, a favourite pet, a dream).
- Start with a light sketch to outline the main parts of your memory.
- Choose colours that you remember were part of the scene or object.
- Add details as you recall them, allowing your imagination to fill in gaps.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they like to imagine or dream about. The teacher then shows examples of imaginative paintings and asks pupils what they observe about them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and observe the examples shown.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of imagination in art.
Step 2: Explanation of Imaginative Painting and Painting from Memory
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines imaginative painting and explains that today’s focus is on painting from memory. The teacher asks pupils to think of a clear memory they would like to paint.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and think about a personal memory.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of imaginative painting and painting from memory.
Step 3: Demonstration of Painting from Memory
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to start an imaginative painting from memory, for example, by sketching a remembered market scene or a school event. The teacher shows how to begin applying colours based on memory.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical steps for starting an imaginative painting from memory.
Step 4: Practical Activity – Sketching from Memory
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes drawing paper and instructs pupils to sketch their chosen memory lightly on the paper. The teacher moves around to provide guidance and support.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils begin sketching their imaginative painting based on a memory.
Learning Point: Pupils apply sketching techniques to represent their memories.
Step 5: Practical Activity – Painting from Memory
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes paints, brushes, and water, instructing pupils to start applying colours to their sketches, remembering the colours of their chosen scene. The teacher encourages creativity and individual expression.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mix colours and begin painting their imaginative artwork.
Learning Point: Pupils develop their painting skills and express their memories through colour.
Step 6: Display and Discussion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to display their partially completed or finished paintings. The teacher leads a brief discussion where pupils share what they painted and what memory inspired it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils display their work and briefly discuss their creations.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to share and appreciate different artistic interpretations.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is imaginative painting?
- Explain what it means to paint from memory.
- Mention two tips for painting from memory.
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 lesson by reminding pupils that imaginative painting allows them to express their inner world and that painting from memory is a powerful way to create art. The teacher assigns pupils to complete their paintings as homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down their homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further practice.
Home Task: Describe or illustrate one lesson example of Imaginative Painting and include one safety or performance rule. Do not practise a risky activity without adult supervision.
Lesson Keywords
- Imaginative Painting – Creating art from your own thoughts, feelings, or ideas, not by looking at something directly.
- Memory Painting – Making art using what you remember about a person, place, or event.
- Creativity – The ability to use imagination to create new and original ideas or things.
- Expression – Showing feelings or ideas through art.
Differentiation
For struggling learners, the teacher will provide more direct guidance, simpler memory prompts (e.g., a favourite toy), and pre-drawn outlines. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage them to add more details, explore different perspectives of their memory, or experiment with more complex colour schemes.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage pupils to be bold and not fear making mistakes. The focus of imaginative painting is on personal expression, not perfect realism. Provide a positive and supportive environment for all pupils to explore their creativity. Ensure adequate ventilation when using paints and supervise the proper handling and cleaning of materials.


Community Join the conversation Open discussion +