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Lesson Note on Working with Graphics: Insert Tab, Shapes and SmartArt for SSS 1

This lesson note on Working with Graphics for SSS 1 covers inserting pictures, clip art, WordArt and charts, plus using shapes and SmartArt to improve documents.

ByPublishedJan 29, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Data Processing
Curriculum Theme: Technology
Previous Lesson: Working with Table: Create and.
Topic: Working with graphics Using insert tab Working with shapes and Smart Art
Subject Matter: Inserting pictures, clip art, WordArt, charts using the Insert tab; inserting shapes; working with SmartArt graphics.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define what graphics, shapes, and SmartArt are in a document.
  • Identify the various types of graphics that can be inserted using the Insert tab.
  • State the steps for inserting pictures, clip art, WordArt, and charts.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of graphics in making documents visually appealing.
  • Understand how to choose appropriate graphics for different document types.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Practically insert pictures and charts into a document using the Insert tab.
  • Insert various shapes into a document.
  • Create and modify SmartArt graphics to present information effectively.

Social Domain:

  • Collaborate with peers to practice inserting different graphic elements.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Computer system
  • Projector with screen
  • MS Office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel)
  • Sample documents with and without graphics

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to enhance their documents using various graphical elements. Learning these skills is important for creating professional and visually engaging reports, presentations, and other documents, which are useful in academic and future professional tasks.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of opening and saving documents in word processing software and navigating the user interface.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Working with Graphics, Shapes, and SmartArt using the Insert Tab

1. Inserting Pictures, Clip Art, WordArt, and Charts

The Insert tab in word processing software allows users to add various visual elements to a document to improve its appearance and convey information more effectively.

The following are types of graphics that can be inserted:

  • Pictures: Digital images stored on a computer or from online sources.
  • Clip Art: Pre-drawn images or illustrations available within the software or online.
  • WordArt: Stylized text used to create decorative headings or titles.
  • Charts: Graphical representations of data, often created from tables or spreadsheets, to show trends and comparisons.

General steps to insert these elements (e.g., in MS Word):

  • Click on the ‘Insert’ tab in the ribbon.
  • Select the desired option (e.g., ‘Pictures’, ‘Online Pictures’, ‘Clip Art’, ‘WordArt’, ‘Chart’).
  • Follow the prompts to select the specific item and insert it into the document.

2. Inserting Shapes

Shapes are pre-defined vector graphics that can be added to documents for various purposes, such as drawing attention, creating diagrams, or enhancing design.

Common types of shapes include:

  • Rectangles
  • Ovals
  • Arrows
  • Flowchart symbols
  • Stars and banners
  • Callouts

Steps to insert a shape:

  • Click on the ‘Insert’ tab.
  • Click on ‘Shapes’ in the Illustrations group.
  • Select the desired shape from the drop-down gallery.
  • Click and drag the mouse on the document to draw the shape to the desired size.

3. Working with SmartArt Graphics

SmartArt graphics are visual representations of information and ideas. They allow users to communicate messages effectively by transforming text into professional-looking diagrams.

SmartArt graphics are useful for:

  • Listing processes or steps
  • Showing hierarchical structures (e.g., organization charts)
  • Illustrating relationships between concepts
  • Presenting cycles or continuous processes

Steps to insert SmartArt:

  • Click on the ‘Insert’ tab.
  • Click on ‘SmartArt’ in the Illustrations group.
  • Choose a SmartArt graphic type (e.g., List, Process, Cycle, Hierarchy, Relationship).
  • Select a specific layout from the chosen type.
  • Enter text into the text pane or directly into the shapes.

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 recall lessons on basic document creation. The teacher then asks pupils how they think documents can be made more attractive and informative beyond just text. The teacher introduces the topic of working with graphics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand the relevance of graphics.

Step 2: Inserting Pictures and Clip Art

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what pictures and clip art are and demonstrates how to insert them using the ‘Insert’ tab, navigating through the ‘Pictures’ and ‘Online Pictures’ (or ‘Clip Art’ for older versions) options. The teacher shows how to resize and move the inserted items.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and take notes on the steps.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the process of inserting and manipulating pictures and clip art.

Step 3: Inserting WordArt and Charts

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose of WordArt for decorative text and demonstrates how to insert it, choose styles, and modify the text. The teacher then briefly explains charts and demonstrates how to insert a simple chart, showing how it links to data.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the demonstration and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to use WordArt for stylized text and insert basic charts.

Step 4: Inserting Shapes

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what shapes are and demonstrates how to insert various shapes like rectangles, arrows, and circles using the ‘Shapes’ option under the ‘Insert’ tab. The teacher guides pupils to try inserting a few shapes on their own computers if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, identify different shapes, and practice inserting them if resources permit.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to add and manipulate pre-defined shapes in a document.

Step 5: Working with SmartArt Graphics

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces SmartArt graphics as a way to visually represent information. The teacher demonstrates how to insert a SmartArt graphic (e.g., a process or list) and add text to it, showing how it organizes information.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and understand the concept of SmartArt for visual communication.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the utility and basic steps for creating SmartArt graphics.

Step 6: Practical Session/Reinforcement

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher allocates time for pupils to practice inserting different types of graphics (pictures, shapes, SmartArt) into a blank document on their computers. The teacher moves around to provide assistance and answer questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively engage in practicing the insertion of various graphic elements.
Learning Point: Pupils apply the learned skills practically, reinforcing their understanding.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

  1. Mention three types of graphics that can be inserted using the Insert tab.
  2. State the general steps to insert a picture into a document.
  3. What is WordArt used for?
  4. Describe one benefit of using SmartArt graphics in a document.

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, emphasizing the importance of using graphics to create engaging and informative documents. The teacher assigns homework: “Create a one-page document about your school using at least one picture, one shape, and one SmartArt graphic.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

  • Graphics – Visual elements such as pictures, charts, and diagrams used to enhance documents.
  • Insert Tab – A tab in word processing software that contains options for adding various elements like tables, pictures, shapes, and charts.
  • Pictures – Digital photographs or images.
  • Clip Art – Pre-drawn images or illustrations.
  • WordArt – Stylized text used for decorative headings.
  • Charts – Graphical representations of data.
  • Shapes – Pre-defined geometric figures or symbols.
  • SmartArt – Visual representations of information and ideas in the form of diagrams.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to explore advanced formatting options for graphics (e.g., picture effects, shape styles, SmartArt color changes). For those needing more support, provide step-by-step printouts or one-on-one guidance during the practical session.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that all computer systems are functional and have the necessary software installed before the lesson. Plan for sufficient practical time, as hands-on experience is important for this topic. Be prepared to assist pupils individually, especially during the practical sessions.

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Lesson Note on Working with Graphics: Insert Tab, Shapes and SmartArt for SSS 1
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