Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Printing: Estimating And Sales Management In Printing Business.
Topic: STENCILS
Subject Matter: Making of a stencil, Stencil cutting techniques, Simple stencil designs, Safety in cutting tools, Using stencils for printing

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a stencil.
Explain the steps involved in making a stencil.
Describe various stencil cutting techniques.
Identify safety rules when using cutting tools.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of safety precautions when using craft knives.
Show interest in creating their own simple stencil designs.

Psychomotor Domain:

Prepare and cut a simple stencil design.
Apply a stencil to print a design on a surface.

Work cooperatively with peers when sharing tools and ideas.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (BEC)
State Unified Scheme of Work
Basic Technology for Senior Secondary Schools 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Stencil paper
Cardboard
Craft knife/scalpel
Cutting mat
Masking tape
Ink/paint
Sponge or roller
Samples of simple stencil designs and printed items

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils learn a practical printing technique that can be used for various creative projects. Understanding stencil making and printing enables pupils to design and reproduce patterns, which is a valuable skill for personal expression and potential small-scale enterprise.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of drawing simple shapes and using common craft tools like scissors and rulers.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

STENCILS

Definition of Stencil

A stencil is a thin sheet of material (such as paper, plastic, or metal) with a design or pattern cut out of it. It is used to reproduce the cut-out design by applying ink or paint through the openings onto another surface.

Making of a Stencil

The steps involved in making a stencil are:

Design Creation: Draw or trace the desired design onto the stencil material. Ensure that all parts of the design are connected, leaving “bridges” where necessary to prevent parts from falling out.
Material Preparation: Place the stencil material (e.g., stencil paper, cardboard) on a cutting mat.
Cutting: Carefully cut out the design using a craft knife or scalpel.
Finishing: Remove the cut-out pieces, leaving the desired pattern as an opening.

Stencil Cutting Techniques

Effective stencil cutting techniques include:

Using a sharp craft knife or scalpel for clean cuts.
Cutting on a self-healing cutting mat to protect the work surface and blade.
Holding the knife firmly and cutting away from the body.
Rotating the stencil material rather than the knife for curves.
Making smooth, continuous cuts to avoid jagged edges.

Simple Stencil Designs

Simple stencil designs are easy to create and use. Examples include:

Geometric shapes (squares, circles, triangles).
Letters and numbers.
Simple outline drawings of objects (stars, hearts, leaves).
Basic patterns or borders.

Safety in Using Cutting Tools

Safety rules when using cutting tools like craft knives include:

Always cut away from your body.
Use a cutting mat to protect surfaces and prevent the blade from slipping.
Ensure the blade is sharp; dull blades require more force and are more dangerous.
Keep fingers away from the path of the blade.
Store cutting tools safely in their covers or cases after use.
Never leave a sharp blade unattended.

Using Stencils for Printing

The steps to use a stencil for printing are:

Positioning: Place the cut stencil firmly on the surface to be printed.
Securing: Use masking tape to hold the stencil in place, especially for repeated prints.
Application: Apply ink or paint through the stencil openings using a sponge, brush, or roller.
Removal: Carefully lift the stencil from the surface once the paint/ink has been applied.
Cleaning: Clean the stencil immediately after use to prevent paint/ink from drying on it.

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 seen designs printed on T-shirts, posters, or walls using a cut-out pattern. The teacher then shows examples of stencils and items printed with stencils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the examples.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of stencils and their uses.

Step 2: Presentation of Topic

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Introduction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher formally introduces the topic “STENCILS” and writes it on the board. The teacher states the specific objectives of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and copy the topic into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils know the topic and what they are expected to learn.

Step 3: Making of a Stencil

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a stencil and demonstrates the steps involved in making a simple stencil, emphasizing design creation, material preparation, cutting, and finishing. The teacher uses stencil paper and a craft knife.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what a stencil is and the process of making one.

Step 4: Stencil Cutting Techniques and Safety

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates proper stencil cutting techniques, such as using a sharp knife and a cutting mat. The teacher also highlights and explains the safety rules when using cutting tools, emphasizing cutting away from the body and proper storage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the techniques and safety rules, observing carefully. Some pupils may practice simple cuts under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to cut stencils effectively and safely.

Step 5: Simple Stencil Designs

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows various examples of simple stencil designs (e.g., geometric shapes, letters, basic outlines) and encourages pupils to suggest other simple designs they could create.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the designs and contribute ideas for simple stencils.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and recognize simple stencil designs.

Step 6: Using Stencils for Printing

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to use a prepared stencil for printing on a surface, showing how to position, secure, apply ink/paint, and carefully remove the stencil. The teacher also mentions cleaning the stencil.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the printing process and understand the application of stencils.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps of using a stencil for printing.

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 a stencil.
List three steps involved in making a stencil.
Mention two important stencil cutting techniques.
State three safety rules to observe when using a craft knife.

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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of stencils in printing and emphasizing safety. The teacher assigns homework: Pupils are to draw a simple design and prepare to cut their own stencil in the next practical class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and prepare for future practical application.

Lesson Keywords

Stencil – A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used for printing.
Craft knife – A sharp tool used for precise cutting, especially in crafts.
Cutting mat – A self-healing mat used as a surface for cutting to protect tables and blades.
Masking tape – A type of adhesive tape used to secure the stencil in place during printing.
Printing – The process of reproducing text or images on a surface using ink or paint.

Differentiation

For slower learners, the teacher will provide pre-drawn simple designs to cut and offer more direct supervision during the practical cutting phase. Fast learners will be encouraged to create more intricate designs or explore different stencil materials.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Emphasize practical demonstration and allow pupils ample opportunity for hands-on practice. Safety should be a primary concern, and pupils must be reminded to handle cutting tools with extreme care. Ensure all necessary materials are available before the lesson.