Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Painting And Decoration
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Design: Principles Of Organization.
Topic: TEXTILE DESIGN
Subject Matter: Motif formation, design unit, repeat pattern

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define motif, design unit, and repeat pattern.
Identify different types of motifs used in textile design.
Explain the importance of a design unit in creating repeat patterns.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the artistry involved in textile design.
Show interest in creating their own textile designs.
Value the cultural significance of various textile patterns.

Psychomotor Domain:

Form a simple motif.
Create a basic design unit from a motif.
Produce a simple repeat pattern using a design unit.

Discuss different textile designs with peers.
Share ideas on how to improve a design unit.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Visual Arts.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Painting and Decoration for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Fabric samples with various patterns.
Stamps and ink pads.
Chart showing examples of motifs, design units, and repeat patterns.
Drawing paper and pencils.
Scissors and glue.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic elements that make up the patterns seen on fabrics and other materials around them. It enables pupils to appreciate the process of creating designs and provides foundational skills for practical applications in textile arts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic drawing skills and an awareness of different patterns and designs observed on various materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

TEXTILE DESIGN: Motif Formation, Design Unit, and Repeat Pattern

Motif Formation

A motif is a single, distinctive design element or feature that is repeated to create a pattern. It can be a simple shape, a natural object like a leaf or flower, an abstract form, or a symbol.

The following are characteristics of a good motif:

It should be simple and clear.
It should be easy to reproduce.
It should be suitable for the intended use.
It should have visual appeal.

Design Unit

A design unit is a complete block or section of a pattern that contains one or more motifs arranged in a specific way. This unit is then repeated to form the overall pattern. It acts as the building block for the entire design.

The following are important aspects of a design unit:

It combines motifs into a cohesive section.
It determines how the pattern will connect when repeated.
It must be carefully planned for seamless repetition.

Repeat Pattern

A repeat pattern is a design created by continuously repeating a single design unit or motif over a surface. This repetition creates a continuous and often symmetrical decorative effect, commonly seen on textiles, wallpapers, and tiles.

The following are common types of repeat patterns:

Block Repeat: The design unit is repeated in a simple grid, side by side.
Half-Drop Repeat: Each row of design units is offset by half the height of the unit above it.
Brick Repeat: Each row of design units is offset by half the width of the unit above it.
Mirror Repeat: The design unit is reflected horizontally or vertically.

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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the topic by showing various fabric samples with different patterns and asks pupils what they notice about the designs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the fabric samples.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and prepared for the new lesson.

Step 2: Explanation of Motif Formation

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines “motif” and explains how motifs are formed, using examples from the chart and fabric samples. The teacher demonstrates drawing a simple motif on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the examples, and take notes. Some pupils may attempt to draw a simple motif in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what a motif is and how it is created.

Step 3: Understanding Design Unit

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines “design unit” and explains its relationship to a motif, showing how multiple motifs can form a design unit. The teacher uses the chart to illustrate different design units.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and participate in discussions about how motifs combine to form units.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concept of a design unit as a building block for patterns.

Step 4: Introduction to Repeat Pattern

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines “repeat pattern” and demonstrates different types (block, half-drop) using prepared stamps, ink, and paper/fabric. The teacher guides pupils to practice creating a simple repeat pattern using a basic motif and design unit.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations, then practice stamping or drawing a simple repeat pattern on paper.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to create a continuous pattern by repeating a design unit.

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 motif and give two examples.
What is a design unit in textile design?
Mention two types of repeat patterns.
Explain the relationship between a motif, a design unit, and a repeat pattern.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and gives pupils an assignment to find and sketch three different textile patterns from their homes, identifying the motif and design unit in each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are given an opportunity for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Motif – A single, distinctive design element that is repeated to create a pattern.
Design Unit – A complete block or section of a pattern containing one or more motifs, which is then repeated.
Repeat Pattern – A design created by continuously repeating a single design unit or motif over a surface.
Textile Design – The art of creating patterns and designs for woven, knitted, or printed fabrics.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to create more complex motifs or explore different repeat pattern arrangements (e.g., diagonal repeats). For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide pre-drawn motifs or simpler stamps for practice and offer one-on-one guidance during the practical session.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that a variety of fabric samples are available to illustrate the concepts clearly. Hands-on demonstration with stamps and ink is highly effective for showing repeat patterns. Encourage pupils to experiment with their own simple drawings to form motifs before moving to complex designs. Safety precautions should be observed when using any sharp tools or chemicals if applicable in later stages of practical work.