Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Upholstery
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Types Of Upholstery: Uses of Upholstery Work and Simple Upholstery Sketching.
Topic: PARTS OF UPHOLSTERY
Subject Matter: Upholstery frame, Upholstery padding, Upholstery cover, Identification of parts of upholstery work, Types of upholstery parts

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define upholstery parts.
List the main parts of an upholstery work.
State different types of materials used for upholstery frames, padding, and covers.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of each part in an upholstery article.
Show interest in identifying the various components of upholstery.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify the frame, padding, and cover on a given upholstery article.
Differentiate between various types of upholstery materials.

Participate actively in class discussions about upholstery parts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (JSS 1-3) and Trade Subjects (SSS 1-3).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Upholstery (SSS 1).
Upholstery Craft Practice for Senior Secondary Schools by [Author/Publisher Name – Example: F.O. Olaitan].

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A disassembled chair frame.
A foam padding sheet.
A fabric cover sample.
Springs sample.
Chalk/marker and whiteboard/blackboard.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the basic parts of upholstery is important for pupils to grasp how furniture is constructed and repaired. This knowledge helps them to identify components and appreciate the function of each part in creating a finished upholstered item.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of simple tools and materials used in craft work.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PARTS OF UPHOLSTERY

Introduction to Upholstery Parts

Upholstery refers to the materials used to cover furniture, such as fabric, padding, webbing, and springs, which are mounted on a frame. Each part plays a specific role in the comfort, durability, and appearance of the furniture.

Main Parts of Upholstery

The following are the main parts of an upholstery work:

Upholstery Frame: This is the skeletal structure of the furniture, usually made of wood, metal, or plastic, which provides shape and support.
Upholstery Padding/Filling: These are soft materials placed over the frame to provide comfort, shape, and cushioning.
Upholstery Cover: This is the outer layer of fabric or material that encloses the padding and frame, providing the final aesthetic and protective surface.

Types of Upholstery Frame Materials

The following are common materials used for upholstery frames:

Hardwoods (e.g., Iroko, Mahogany, Oak)
Softwoods (e.g., Pine, Fir)
Engineered wood products (e.g., Plywood, Particleboard)
Metal (e.g., Steel, Aluminum)
Plastic

Types of Upholstery Padding/Filling Materials

The following are common materials used for upholstery padding:

Foam (e.g., Polyurethane foam, Memory foam)
Fibre (e.g., Polyester fibre, Cotton batting)
Feathers and Down
Coir (Coconut fibre)
Rubberized coir
Hair (e.g., Horsehair, Hog hair)
Springs (e.g., Coil springs, Zig-zag springs)

Types of Upholstery Cover Materials

The following are common materials used for upholstery covers:

Natural fabrics (e.g., Cotton, Linen, Wool, Silk, Leather)
Synthetic fabrics (e.g., Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Microfiber)
Blended fabrics
Vinyl

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, checks attendance, and asks pupils to identify parts of a simple upholstered item (e.g., a classroom chair or sofa) they see around them. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Parts of Upholstery”.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, answer attendance, and attempt to identify visible parts of upholstered furniture.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the lesson’s focus.

Step 2: Explanation of Upholstery Frame

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what an upholstery frame is, its importance, and demonstrates with the disassembled chair frame. The teacher also lists and discusses common frame materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the demonstration, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and types of upholstery frames.

Step 3: Explanation of Upholstery Padding/Filling

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the function of upholstery padding, its role in comfort and shape, and demonstrates with the foam padding sheet and springs sample. The teacher also lists and discusses various padding materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the materials, and note the different types of padding.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the purpose and various materials used for upholstery padding.

Step 4: Explanation of Upholstery Cover

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that the upholstery cover is the visible outer layer, its aesthetic and protective functions, and demonstrates with the fabric cover sample. The teacher also lists and discusses common cover materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the fabric samples, and learn about different cover materials.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the role and types of upholstery cover materials.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define upholstery parts.
List the three main parts of upholstery work.
Mention two types of materials used for upholstery frames.
State two common materials used for upholstery padding.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the main parts of upholstery and their importance. The teacher then gives homework: “Draw a simple diagram of an upholstered chair and label its main parts.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is consolidated, and pupils are given a task to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Upholstery – The materials used to cover furniture, including fabric, padding, and springs.
Frame – The supporting structure or skeleton of upholstered furniture.
Padding – Soft materials used for cushioning and shaping in upholstery.
Cover – The outer fabric or material that encloses the padding and frame.
Springs – Coiled or zig-zag metal components used in upholstery for support and comfort.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research historical upholstery techniques or identify less common upholstery materials. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids and allow peer-assisted learning during the identification activity.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure all instructional materials are available and in good condition before the lesson. Encourage pupils to actively participate in identifying parts and handling samples carefully. Emphasize safety when handling frame components or sharp tools if any are used for demonstration. Real-life examples of upholstered furniture in the school environment can be used to further engage pupils.