Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: INTRODUCTION TO PRINTING
Subject Matter: Definition of printing, Types of printing such as yam, potato, leaf, wood, lino-cut and mechanical printing, Origin of print, Basic printing methods using local media

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define printing.
Explain the origin of print.
List different types of printing.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the historical development of printing.
Value the use of local materials for printing.
Participate actively in practical printing activities.

Psychomotor Domain:

Produce simple prints using local media like yam, potato, or leaves.
Observe and describe the differences among various printing media.

Collaborate with peers during practical printing exercises.
Share ideas and experiences on different printing methods.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (Senior Secondary Education).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by various authors.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Yam, potato, leaves.
Wood block, lino sheet.
Cutting tools (e.g., craft knives, lino cutters).
Printing ink (water-based or fabric ink).
Roller (brayer).
Paper or fabric for printing.
Samples of prints from different media.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic concept of printing and its historical development. It also enables them to learn practical skills in creating simple prints using readily available local materials, connecting them to a useful trade and promoting creativity.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of art and craft activities and can identify common local materials found in their environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PRINTING

Definition of Printing

Printing is the process of transferring images, text, or patterns onto a surface, usually paper or fabric, by applying pressure to an inked surface. It is a method of mass reproduction of text and images.

Origin of Print

The origin of printing can be traced back to ancient civilizations that used carved blocks to transfer images and patterns onto fabric or clay. Early forms of printing involved relief printing, where raised surfaces were inked and pressed onto materials. The Chinese were among the first to develop woodblock printing for texts and images, followed by the invention of movable type.

Types of Printing

The following are common types of printing:

Yam Printing: Uses carved yam slices as printing blocks.
Potato Printing: Uses carved potato slices as printing blocks.
Leaf Printing: Uses natural leaf patterns as printing surfaces.
Wood Printing (Woodcut): Involves carving designs into a block of wood.
Lino-cut Printing: Uses linoleum sheets as the printing matrix, which are easier to carve than wood.
Mechanical Printing: Involves the use of machines and advanced technology for large-scale production (e.g., offset printing, digital printing).

Basic Printing Methods using Local Media

Basic printing methods using local media often involve relief printing. This means the parts of the material that are to be printed are raised, while the non-printing parts are cut away. The raised surface is then inked and pressed onto another surface.

Common local media for this include:

Yam slices
Potato slices
Leaves
Small wood blocks

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 mention items they see with printed words or images (e.g., textbooks, clothes, newspapers). The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that these items are products of printing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of printing and its relevance in daily life.

Step 2: Definition of Printing

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines printing as the process of transferring images, text, or patterns onto a surface, usually paper or fabric, using an inked surface. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition of printing.

Step 3: Origin of Print

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Historical Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the historical origin of print, mentioning early forms like woodblock printing in ancient China and how it evolved over time. The teacher highlights the significance of early printing in spreading knowledge.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the historical account and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the historical background and development of printing.

Step 4: Types of Printing

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Classification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains different types of printing, focusing on yam, potato, leaf, wood, lino-cut, and mechanical printing. The teacher shows examples or pictures of each type if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and write down the different types of printing.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and differentiate between various types of printing.

Step 5: Demonstration of Basic Printing Methods

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to prepare and use local media (e.g., yam, potato, leaves) for printing. This includes cutting a design into a yam/potato slice, applying ink with a roller, and pressing it onto paper or fabric. The teacher emphasizes safety with cutting tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and ask questions about the process.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical steps involved in basic printing methods using local materials.

Step 6: Pupils’ Practical Application

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides pupils with local materials (yam, potato, leaves), cutting tools, ink, and paper/fabric. The teacher guides them to apply one printing medium to produce simple prints, moving around to assist and correct.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils, under the teacher’s guidance, attempt to create simple prints using the provided materials.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in creating prints and develop practical skills.

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 printing?
Mention three types of printing.
Briefly explain the origin of print.
Name two local materials that can be used for printing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, origin, and various types of printing, especially those using local media. The teacher gives an assignment: “Research and bring examples of printed items from different industries for the next class.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson and prepare for future learning.

Lesson Keywords

Printing – The process of transferring images or text onto a surface.
Relief Printing – A printing method where the printing surface is raised.
Block Printing – A technique where designs are carved into a block (e.g., wood, yam, potato) and used for printing.
Lino-cut – A relief printing technique using linoleum as the printing surface.
Mechanical Printing – Printing done using machines and industrial processes.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to experiment with more complex designs or combine different local media. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide closer guidance during practical sessions and simplify instructions. Group work will allow peer support and collaborative learning.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all sharp tools are handled with care and supervise pupils closely during practical activities. Encourage creativity and allow pupils to explore different designs with the local materials. Provide positive feedback to build confidence and interest in printing craft. Prepare samples of prints beforehand to motivate pupils.