Meaning, types and materials for print making for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Arts and Crafts
Focal competence: Printing with different equipment
Key competencies/values: Communication; Creativity and Innovation
Skills:

• Creating prints

Previous Lesson: Stages of drawing and making a simple drawing
Topic: Printing
Subject Matter: Meaning, types and materials for print making

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define printing and print making.
• State different types of printing.
• List materials used for print making.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the creativity involved in print making.
• Show interest in exploring different printing techniques.

Psychomotor Domain

• Identify various print types from samples.
• Handle printing materials carefully.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Cultural and Creative Arts for Primary 4 textbook
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Leaf samples
• Yam pieces
• Screen mesh (small sample)
• Cardboard paper
• Printing ink (or poster paint)
• Sponge or cloth for dabbing ink
• Examples of printed items (e.g., fabric with prints, simple printed cards)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces pupils to a fundamental art technique that allows for the creation of multiple copies of an image. Understanding print making helps pupils appreciate various forms of visual art and develops their creativity and fine motor skills. It also provides a practical way for them to express themselves artistically using simple, everyday materials.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of drawing, colouring, and identifying different art materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Printing

Meaning of Printing and Print Making

Printing is the process of transferring an image from one surface (the printing plate or matrix) to another surface, usually paper or fabric, by applying pressure. Print making is the art or technique of creating prints.

It allows artists to make multiple copies of the same artwork.

Types of Printing

There are many types of printing, but some common ones include:

1. Leaf Printing: This involves applying ink or paint to a leaf and pressing it onto another surface to create an impression of the leaf’s veins and shape.
2. Thumb Printing: This is done by applying ink or paint to the thumb and pressing it onto a surface to create a unique thumbprint design.
3. Yam Printing: This involves carving a design into a piece of yam, applying ink or paint to the carved surface, and then pressing it onto paper or fabric.
4. Screen Printing: This method uses a mesh screen, a stencil, and ink. Ink is forced through the mesh onto the printing surface, except in areas blocked by the stencil.

Materials for Print Making

The materials needed for print making depend on the type of printing, but some common ones are:

1. Printing Surface: This is where the image is transferred. Examples include paper, cardboard, or fabric.
2. Printing Medium: This is what carries the image. Examples include leaves, carved yam, or the thumb.
3. Ink/Paint: Used to create the image. Poster paint, fabric paint, or printing ink can be used.
4. Sponge/Brush/Roller: Used to apply ink evenly to the printing medium.
5. Cutting Tools: For carving designs (e.g., small knife for yam printing, used with teacher supervision).
6. Screen Mesh: Specifically for screen printing.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various print samples (e.g., printed fabric, cards, or pictures) and asks pupils what they observe about them, especially how the images appear to be repeated. The teacher then introduces the topic of “Printing” and “Print Making”.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples and share their observations about repeated images.

Learning Point: Introduction to printing

Step 2: Meaning of Printing and Print Making

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of printing as transferring an image from one surface to another and print making as the art of creating prints. The teacher uses simple language and examples to make the concept clear.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Definition of printing

Step 3: Types of Printing

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Classification/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces different types of printing, such as leaf printing, thumb printing, yam printing, and screen printing. For each type, the teacher briefly explains how it is done, showing the relevant materials (e.g., a leaf, a piece of yam, a small screen mesh sample).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the different types of printing and observe the materials shown.

Learning Point: Various printing types

Step 4: Leaf Printing Demonstration

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to do leaf printing by applying ink to a leaf and pressing it onto a piece of cardboard paper. The teacher explains each step clearly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully.

Learning Point: Leaf printing technique

Step 5: Yam/Thumb Printing Demonstration

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates yam printing (if a carved yam is prepared) or thumb printing. For yam printing, the teacher shows how a carved yam piece is inked and pressed. For thumb printing, the teacher shows how to use their thumb with ink. (Safety note: If carving yam, teacher must do it beforehand or supervise strictly).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations and understand the process.

Learning Point: Yam/thumb printing

Step 6: Materials for Print Making

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reviews and lists the materials used for print making, pointing to each material as it is mentioned (e.g., paper, ink, leaves, yam, screen mesh, sponge).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and name the materials for print making.

Learning Point: Printing materials identified

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. What is printing?
2. Mention two types of printing you learned today.
3. List three materials used for print making.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding printing concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the meaning of printing, its types, and the materials used. The teacher encourages pupils to practice simple print making at home using safe, readily available materials.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and participate in the summary.

Learning Point: Lesson recap

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

1. Define print making in your own words.
2. Draw and label two materials you can use for print making.
3. Try to make a simple print using a leaf and paint at home. Bring your print to class next time. (Ensure pupils use safe, non-toxic paints and adult supervision).

Lesson Keywords

• Printing – The process of transferring an image from one surface to another.
• Print Making – The art or technique of creating prints.
• Leaf Printing – Printing using leaves.
• Yam Printing – Printing using carved yam.
• Thumb Printing – Printing using the thumb.
• Screen Printing – Printing using a mesh screen and stencil.
• Ink – Coloured liquid or paste used for printing.
• Cardboard paper – A thick, stiff paper used as a printing surface.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide pre-prepared examples of prints and materials. Allow them to focus on identifying just one type of printing and its materials. Offer more direct guidance during any practical demonstration.
For faster learners: Encourage them to think of other natural materials they could use for printing (e.g., sponges, potato, okra). They can also try to create a simple design on a yam piece (under strict supervision) or experiment with mixing colours for their prints.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for “Primary 4 print making techniques” or “simple print making for kids”.

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, gather all the instructional materials, especially actual leaves, yam pieces (perhaps pre-carved for demonstration), and a small screen mesh sample if possible. Having real examples will make the concepts concrete for the pupils. Begin by engaging pupils with the displayed print samples to spark their curiosity. Clearly explain the meaning of printing and demonstrate each type of printing mentioned in the content scope. Emphasize safety, especially if any cutting tools are involved (the teacher should handle these). Allow pupils to observe closely and ask questions. During the evaluation, ensure questions cover all objectives. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes after the main teaching and evaluation. Encourage them to try simple, safe print making activities at home to reinforce learning.