Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Visual Art
Previous Lesson: Introduction to Graphics: Block Lettering, Calligraphic Lettering and Letter Features.
Topic: Introduction to Graphics (Continuation)
Subject Matter: Forms of graphic advertisement, newspaper adverts, posters, handbills, invitation cards, book covers, features of good advertisement design, legibility of letters, technical proficiency, communication in design, colour distribution and harmony, making cards and posters
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define graphic advertisement.
- List different forms of graphic advertisement.
- State features of a good advertisement design.
- Explain the meaning of legibility, colour harmony, and communication in design.
Affective Domain:
- Show appreciation for well-designed advertisements.
- Develop interest in neat and attractive design work.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Design a simple poster using correct lettering and colour.
- Make a simple invitation card using basic design principles.
Social Domain:
- Work in groups to observe and discuss advertisement samples.
- Share ideas and materials during practical design activities.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Visual Art for Senior Secondary Schools (Textbook)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Advertising
- Canva: Advertising Design Basics
- Adobe: Graphic Design Overview
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Newspapers and magazines
- Sample posters, handbills, and cards
- Colour pencils and crayons
- Pencils and erasers
- Drawing book and plain paper
- Ruler and drawing set
Rationale for the Lesson
Graphic advertisements are used daily in newspapers, posters, and cards to pass information. Learning how adverts are designed helps pupils understand messages better and create simple designs for school and personal use.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of lettering, colour use, and simple drawing from previous Visual Art lessons.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Introduction to Graphics (Advertisement)
Meaning of Graphic Advertisement
Graphic advertisement is the use of pictures, text, and colour to promote ideas, goods, services, or events.
The following are purposes of graphic advertisement:
- To inform the public.
- To persuade people.
- To attract attention.
- To communicate a clear message.
Forms of Graphic Advertisement
Graphic advertisements appear in different printed and designed forms.
The following are forms of graphic advertisement:
- Newspaper adverts
- Posters
- Handbills and flyers
- Invitation cards
- Book covers
Features of Good Advertisement Design
A good advertisement design must be clear, attractive, and easy to understand.
The following are features of good advertisement design:
- Clear and readable lettering
- Good colour distribution
- Simple and direct message
- Neat finishing
- Balanced arrangement of text and images
Legibility of Letters
Legibility of letters means how easy letters are to read and understand.
The following improve letter legibility:
- Correct letter size
- Proper spacing between letters and words
- Clear letter shapes
- Good contrast between text and background
Technical Proficiency
Technical proficiency refers to skill in using tools and materials correctly during design.
The following show technical proficiency:
- Proper use of ruler and drawing tools
- Clean and controlled colouring
- Accurate cutting and alignment
- Neat finishing without smudges
Communication in Design
Communication in design is how well a design passes its intended message to the viewer.
The following help communication in design:
- Simple and direct wording
- Relevant images
- Clear layout
- Correct emphasis on important information
Colour Distribution and Harmony
Colour distribution and harmony refer to the balanced and pleasing use of colours in a design.
The following are rules for good colour harmony:
- Use colours that blend well together.
- Avoid using too many colours.
- Balance bright and dull colours.
- Ensure colours support the message.
Making Cards and Posters
Cards and posters are simple graphic designs used to announce events or pass information.
The following are steps in making cards and posters:
- Select the purpose and message.
- Choose the size and layout.
- Sketch the design lightly with pencil.
- Add lettering and images.
- Apply suitable colours neatly.
- Finish and correct errors.
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 displays newspapers, posters, and handbills and asks pupils to identify their purpose.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials and respond by mentioning where they have seen such adverts.
Learning Point: Graphic advertisements are used to pass information and attract attention.
Step 2: Forms of Graphic Advertisement
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different forms of graphic advertisement using displayed examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list different forms from the examples shown.
Learning Point: Advertisements appear in different printed forms.
Step 3: Features of Good Advertisement Design
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses features of good advertisement design and points them out on samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and note the features discussed.
Learning Point: Good design must be clear, neat, and attractive.
Step 4: Letter Legibility and Colour Harmony
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates readable lettering and good colour combination on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch carefully and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Clear letters and good colours improve communication.
Step 5: Practical Activity (Making Cards/Posters)
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to sketch and design a simple card or poster.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils design simple cards or posters using provided materials.
Learning Point: Simple designs can communicate messages effectively.
Step 6: Supervision and Correction
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher moves round to correct errors in spacing, colour use, and layout.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils correct their work based on guidance given.
Learning Point: Correction improves quality and neatness of work.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define graphic advertisement.
- Mention four forms of graphic advertisement.
- List three features of a good advertisement design.
- State two ways colour harmony improves a design.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and gives classwork: design a simple poster for a school event using correct lettering and colour.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note the classwork.
Learning Point: Good advertisement design depends on clear message, neat lettering, and balanced colour.
Lesson Keywords
- Graphic Advertisement – Design used to promote ideas, goods, or events.
- Poster – Large printed design used to announce or advertise.
- Handbill – Small printed advert shared by hand.
- Legibility – How easy letters are to read.
- Colour Harmony – Pleasant and balanced use of colours.
- Technical Proficiency – Skill in using tools and materials correctly.
Differentiation
Pupils who learn faster will design a detailed poster with more than one colour and image, while pupils who need support will focus on a simple card with clear lettering and limited colours under guidance.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure pupils focus on clarity and neatness rather than complex designs. Encourage simple layouts and correct use of tools to build confidence and good design habits.

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