Materials used in manual portfolios and Construct a simple folder for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Fundamentals of Visual Arts
Focal competence: creating simple artworks in a hand-made portfolio
Key competencies/values: Creativity and Innovation; Collaboration; Innovation
Skills:

• Measuring, constructing, and organizing works

Previous Lesson: Traditional Nigerian Motifs, Contemporary Symbols in Art and Design
Topic: Manual Art Portfolio: Materials Used In Manual Portfolios
Subject Matter: Materials used in manual portfolios, Construct a simple folder, Labeling, titling, and arranging works

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify various materials used in manual portfolios.
• Describe the steps involved in constructing a simple folder portfolio.
• Explain the importance of labeling, titling, and arranging artworks.

Affective Domain

• Demonstrate neatness and creativity in their portfolio construction.
• Appreciate the value of proper documentation and organization of artworks.
• Value collaboration during practical activities.

Psychomotor Domain

• Construct a simple folder for an art portfolio.
• Organize artworks effectively within a handmade portfolio.
• Apply basic finishing techniques to their portfolio work.
• Present artworks neatly in a handmade portfolio.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Visual Art textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of handmade portfolios
• Cardboard
• Mounting board
• Straw cards
• Manila paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Eraser

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the practical aspects of presenting their artistic creations. Learning to create a manual portfolio helps them develop organizational skills, appreciate proper documentation, and showcase their work professionally. It also fosters creativity and attention to detail, essential qualities for visual artists.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of different art materials, simple measurement techniques, and fundamental drawing or sketching skills.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Manual Art Portfolio: Materials Used In Manual Portfolios

Materials Used in Manual Portfolios

A manual art portfolio is a collection of an artist’s best work, presented in a physical folder or case. The materials used for creating these portfolios are often chosen for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of use.

1. Cardboard: A thick, stiff paper material, often used for the main structure or covers of a portfolio due to its rigidity and strength. It can be easily cut, folded, and decorated.
2. Straw Cards: Similar to cardboard but often made from recycled paper products, providing a slightly different texture and thickness. They are also sturdy and good for portfolio covers.
3. Manila Paper: A strong, durable paper, typically buff-colored. It is lighter than cardboard and straw cards, making it suitable for inner dividers, pockets, or lighter covers.
4. Mounting Board: A rigid board used for mounting artworks to provide a stable and presentable background. It adds structure and protection to individual pieces within the portfolio.
5. Scissors: Essential for cutting materials to the desired size and shape.
6. Glue: Used for bonding different parts of the portfolio together, such as covers, flaps, and pockets.
7. Ruler and Pencil: For accurate measuring and marking before cutting or folding.

Construction of a Simple Folder Portfolio

Creating a simple folder portfolio involves several steps to ensure it is functional and presentable:

1. Gather Materials: Collect all necessary materials such as cardboard, ruler, pencil, scissors, and glue.
2. Measure and Mark: Decide on the desired size of the portfolio (e.g., to fit A3 or A4 papers). Measure and mark the cardboard for the front cover, back cover, and a spine. For example, for an A3 portfolio, you might need two pieces of cardboard slightly larger than A3 for the covers, and a narrower strip for the spine.
3. Cut the Materials: Carefully cut the cardboard pieces along the marked lines using scissors or a craft knife (with adult supervision).
4. Score and Fold (if applicable): If creating a hinged spine, lightly score the cardboard where it needs to fold to create clean creases.
5. Assemble the Covers and Spine: Glue the spine piece between the front and back covers, leaving a small gap (about 0.5-1 cm) on each side of the spine to allow for easy opening and closing.
6. Add Inner Flaps/Pockets (Optional): Cut additional pieces of cardboard or manila paper to create inner flaps or pockets to hold the artworks securely. Glue these firmly to the inside edges of the covers.
7. Reinforce Edges: For added durability, you can reinforce the edges with tape or an extra layer of paper.
8. Decorate and Finish: Decorate the exterior of the portfolio with paint, collage, or other artistic techniques. Ensure all glue is dry and the portfolio is neat.

Labeling, Titling, and Arranging Artworks in a Portfolio

Proper documentation and arrangement are crucial for a professional and effective art portfolio:

1. Labeling: Each artwork should have a label, usually on the back or on a small tag attached to it. The label should include:
   1. Artist’s Name
   2. Date of Creation
   3. Medium Used (e.g., oil paint, charcoal, watercolour)
   4. Dimensions (Height x Width)
2. Titling: Give each artwork a meaningful title that reflects its content, theme, or inspiration. The title should be clearly written on the label or on a separate title card placed with the artwork.
3. Arranging Works: The way artworks are arranged can significantly impact how they are perceived.
   1. Chronological Order: Arranging works by date of creation shows artistic development over time.
   2. Thematic Grouping: Grouping works with similar themes, subjects, or styles creates a cohesive presentation.
   3. Best Work First/Last: Often, artists place their strongest pieces at the beginning and end of the portfolio to make a lasting impression.
   4. Visual Flow: Consider how one artwork transitions to the next. Avoid placing too many similar pieces consecutively.
   5. Protection: Use tissue paper or clear acetate sheets between artworks to prevent smudging or damage.
4. Neatness and Presentation: Ensure the portfolio itself is clean, well-maintained, and free from damage. The overall presentation should reflect the care and professionalism of the artist.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Practical Activity, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and briefly reviews the concept of an art portfolio from previous knowledge. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Manual Art Portfolio: Materials Used In Manual Portfolios” and explains its relevance to presenting artworks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall previous knowledge, and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Portfolio concept introduction

Step 2: Materials Identification

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various materials such as cardboard, straw cards, manila paper, mounting board, scissors, and glue. The teacher asks students to identify each material and discusses its specific use in portfolio construction.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials and discuss their uses, asking questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Portfolio materials identification

Step 3: Folder Construction Demonstration

Time: 12 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates step-by-step how to construct a simple folder portfolio using the identified materials. This includes measuring, cutting, gluing, and forming the basic structure. The teacher emphasizes safety precautions with scissors.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, ask questions, and make predictions based on their experience.

Learning Point: Simple folder construction

Step 4: Guided Construction Practice

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes materials to students and guides them as they begin to construct their own simple folder portfolios. The teacher moves around the classroom, offering individual assistance and correcting errors.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils individually create their self-portfolios, following the teacher’s guidance and the demonstrated steps.

Learning Point: Practical portfolio making

Step 5: Labeling and Titling

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of labeling and titling artworks within a portfolio. The teacher provides examples of what information should be included (artist’s name, date, medium, dimensions, title).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and discuss the importance of proper documentation for their artworks.

Learning Point: Artwork documentation principles

Step 6: Arranging Artworks

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Guidance

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses different ways to arrange artworks within a portfolio (e.g., chronologically, thematically, by best work). The teacher guides students on how to neatly place their practice works into their newly constructed folders.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the arrangement strategies and begin to arrange their practice artworks in their folders.

Learning Point: Portfolio organization techniques

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 materials used in making a manual portfolio.
2. What is the first step in constructing a simple folder portfolio?
3. Why is it important to label your artworks?
4. How would you arrange your artworks in a portfolio for a good presentation?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Portfolio skills assessment

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on materials, construction, labeling, and arrangement into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Board summary recording

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarizing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points about manual portfolios, emphasizing the importance of neatness, creativity, and proper presentation of artworks. The teacher encourages students to continue practicing these skills.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Manual portfolio consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Using the knowledge gained in class, create a personal manual art portfolio for your best artworks. Ensure it is neatly constructed, and all artworks are properly labeled, titled, and arranged.

1. Construct a manual portfolio using suitable materials.
2. Select at least three of your best artworks.
3. Label each artwork with your name, date, medium, and dimensions.
4. Give each artwork a suitable title.
5. Arrange the artworks neatly within your portfolio.
6. Present your completed portfolio in the next Visual Art class.

Lesson Keywords

• Portfolio – A collection of an artist’s best work.
• Cardboard – A thick, stiff paper material used for portfolio covers.
• Manila paper – A strong, durable paper used for inner portfolio sections.
• Straw card – A type of board similar to cardboard, often from recycled materials.
• Labeling – Adding identifying information to an artwork.
• Titling – Giving a name to an artwork.
• Arranging – Organizing artworks in a specific order within a portfolio.

Differentiation

Support: Provide pre-cut cardboard pieces for students who struggle with accurate measuring and cutting. Offer extra one-on-one guidance during the construction phase. Provide templates for labeling information.

Extension: Encourage advanced students to explore more complex portfolio designs, incorporate decorative elements, or research different types of professional art portfolios. Challenge them to create a portfolio with multiple sections or unique fastening mechanisms.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for “how to make a simple art portfolio SS1 visual art”
Search YouTube for “DIY art portfolio folder tutorial”