Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Print Making: Definition And Types Of Print Making.
Topic: RELIEF PRINTING WITHOUT A PRESS MATERIAL/MACHINE
Subject Matter: Relief printing without a press, Leaf printing method, Wood printing method, Lino-cut printing method, Yam and potato printing method, Rubber printing method, Preparation and printing steps

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define relief printing without a press.
Identify various methods of relief printing without a press.
List the steps involved in preparing materials for relief printing.
Explain the general process of relief printing.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the artistic and creative aspects of relief printing.
Value the importance of safe handling of tools during practical activities.
Develop an interest in creating relief prints using simple materials.

Psychomotor Domain:

Prepare a printing block using a chosen material such as a leaf, yam, or rubber.
Demonstrate the steps for making a simple relief print.
Produce a basic relief print without the use of a printing press.

Collaborate with classmates during group practical work.
Share instructional materials responsibly.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Creative and Cultural Arts.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Creative and Cultural Arts, Senior Secondary School 1.
Creative and Cultural Arts for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by J.K. Ajayi et al.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Examples of finished relief prints (e.g., from leaves, yam, lino).
Fresh leaves, yam, potato, rubber sheet, lino sheet.
Carving tools (e.g., craft knives, lino cutters).
Printing ink or poster colours.
Paper for printing.
Brayer/roller or spoon for applying pressure.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to create prints using simple materials available in their environment, without needing complex machinery. It encourages creativity and develops practical skills that can be applied in art and design, fostering an appreciation for handmade crafts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with basic art concepts like drawing, patterns, and the use of simple art materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

RELIEF PRINTING WITHOUT A PRESS MATERIAL/MACHINE

Definition of Relief Printing

Relief printing is a method of printing where the raised surfaces of a block or plate carry the ink and transfer it to paper, while the cut-away or recessed parts remain un-inked.

Methods of Relief Printing Without a Press

The following are common methods of relief printing that do not require a printing press:

Leaf Printing Method: Using natural leaves with prominent veins as printing surfaces.
Wood Printing Method: Carving designs into a piece of wood, leaving the desired image in relief.
Lino-cut Printing Method: Carving designs into a linoleum sheet using specialized tools.
Yam and Potato Printing Method: Carving simple designs into slices of yam or potato.
Rubber Printing Method: Carving designs into rubber sheets or erasers.

Preparation of Materials for Printing

Proper preparation of materials is important for good prints. For example:

For Yam/Potato: Cut the yam/potato into a flat slice, then draw and carve the design onto the flat surface, ensuring the design stands out in relief.
For Leaves: Select fresh leaves with clear vein patterns.
For Lino/Wood/Rubber: Sketch the design onto the block, then use carving tools to remove the areas that should not print, leaving the image raised.

Steps in Relief Printing (General Process)

The following are general steps for making a relief print without a press:

Prepare the printing block/material (e.g., carve yam, select leaf).
Apply a thin, even layer of ink to the raised surface of the block using a brayer or brush.
Place the inked block onto the paper where the impression is desired.
Apply firm, even pressure to the back of the block using your hand, a spoon, or a clean roller.
Carefully lift the block from the paper to reveal the print.
Allow the print to dry.

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 if they have ever seen patterns or images transferred from one surface to another. The teacher then introduces the topic: Relief Printing Without a Press.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of transferring images and the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition of Relief Printing

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines relief printing, explaining that it involves printing from raised surfaces. The teacher shows examples of relief prints made from various materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition and observe the examples shown by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of relief printing.

Step 3: Methods of Relief Printing Without a Press

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Enumeration/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains different methods of relief printing without a press, such as leaf printing, yam/potato printing, lino-cut, wood printing, and rubber printing. The teacher shows the materials for each method.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the different methods and observe the materials presented.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about various simple relief printing methods.

Step 4: Preparation of Materials

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to prepare selected materials, such as carving a simple design into a yam slice or preparing a lino block. The teacher emphasizes safety when using carving tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and ask questions about material preparation and tool safety.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to prepare materials for printing and the importance of safety.

Step 5: Steps in Relief Printing

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the step-by-step process of making a relief print using one or two prepared blocks (e.g., yam and a leaf). This includes inking the block, placing it on paper, applying pressure, and lifting the print.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully observe the printing process and the techniques used by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical steps involved in creating a relief print.

Step 6: Practical Activity/Pupils’ Participation

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to select a material (e.g., leaf, yam) and begin preparing their own simple printing block or selecting a leaf. Pupils are encouraged to try applying ink and making a test print under supervision.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in preparing their chosen material and attempting initial prints.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in preparing materials and making prints.

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 relief printing?
Mention three methods of relief printing that do not use a press.
State two materials that can be used for relief printing without a press.
Briefly describe one step in preparing a yam for printing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definition of relief printing and the various methods explored. The teacher encourages pupils to continue practicing at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of relief printing without a press.

Lesson Keywords

Relief printing – A printing method where the raised parts of a block transfer ink to paper.
Leaf printing – Using natural leaves to create prints.
Wood printing – Carving designs into wood for printing.
Lino-cut – A relief printing technique using linoleum as the block material.
Yam printing – Creating prints by carving designs into yam slices.
Rubber printing – Using carved rubber sheets or erasers for printing.
Carving tools – Instruments used to cut away parts of a printing block.
Ink – A coloured liquid or paste used for printing.
Impression – The mark or design made by pressing an inked block onto a surface.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to create more complex designs or experiment with colour variations. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide pre-cut materials or simpler designs to carve, offering more one-on-one guidance during the practical session.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all carving tools are handled with extreme care and pupils are adequately supervised during the practical session. Prepare some materials in advance (e.g., pre-cut yam slices) to save time. Have enough paper and ink for all pupils to participate effectively. Emphasize cleanliness in the workspace.