Safe use of basic art materials and tools to create a simple artwork for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural & Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Arts and Crafts
Focal competence: Using art materials and tools
Key competencies/values: Creativity and Innovation
Skills:

• Using basic art materials and tools to create artwork

Previous Lesson: Basic Art Materials, Tools, Identification and Uses
Topic: Art Materials And Tools: Practical Use
Subject Matter: Safe use of basic art materials, tools to create a simple artwork

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify basic art materials and tools.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of safe handling of art tools.

Psychomotor Domain

• Use selected basic art materials and tools safely to create a simple artwork.

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 Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Examples of simple artworks
• Pencil
• Paper
• Crayon
• Paintbrush
• Watercolour paints
• Glue
• Blunt-nosed scissors
• Waste bin

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it teaches young pupils how to handle art materials and tools safely. Learning safe practices from an early age helps prevent accidents and builds confidence in creative expression. It also encourages responsibility in caring for tools and materials, which is a valuable life skill.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have seen or used some basic drawing materials like pencils and crayons before.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Art Materials And Tools: Practical Use

Basic Art Materials and Tools

Art materials and tools help us create beautiful artworks. Some common ones include:

1. Pencil: Used for drawing lines and shading.
2. Crayon: Used for adding colour to drawings.
3. Paper: The surface we draw or paint on.
4. Paintbrush: Used to apply liquid paint.
5. Watercolour paints: Colours that mix with water.
6. Glue: Used to stick paper or other materials together.
7. Scissors: Used for cutting paper or thin materials.

Safe Handling of Art Materials and Tools

It is important to use art tools carefully to avoid getting hurt. Here are some safety rules:

1. Pencil and Crayon:
   • Use them gently, do not poke yourself or others.
   • Do not put them in your mouth.
2. Paintbrush:
   • Do not lick the brush.
   • Clean the brush with water after use.
3. Glue:
   • Use only a small amount.
   • Do not taste the glue.
   • Close the lid tightly after use.
4. Scissors:
   • Always hold scissors by the handle.
   • When passing scissors to someone, offer the handle first.
   • Cut away from your body and fingers.
   • Only use blunt-nosed scissors for safety.

Steps to Create a Simple Artwork Safely

To make a simple artwork safely, follow these steps:

1. Select the correct tools: Choose the right pencil, crayon, brush, or scissors for your task.
2. Use tools carefully: Follow the safety rules for each tool.
3. Work neatly: Keep your workspace tidy.
4. Clean tools after use: Wash brushes and wipe other tools clean.
5. Return tools: Put all materials and tools back in their proper places.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they like to do with paper and colours. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Today, we will learn about art materials and how to use them safely to make beautiful pictures.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.

Learning Point: Art materials introduction

Step 2: Identification of Art Materials

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various basic art materials and tools (pencil, crayon, paper, paintbrush, glue, blunt-nosed scissors). The teacher names each item and briefly explains its general use.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials, listen to their names, and repeat after the teacher.

Learning Point: Basic art tools

Step 3: Demonstration of Safe Use

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the safe handling of each tool, especially scissors and glue. For example, showing how to hold scissors, how to pass them, and how to apply glue sparingly. The teacher explains why safety is important.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstrations carefully and listen to the safety instructions.

Learning Point: Safe tool handling

Step 4: Guided Practice – Matching Tools to Uses

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Matching

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives each pupil a piece of paper and asks them to pick up a pencil and draw a simple shape. Then, pick up a crayon and colour the shape. The teacher guides them to use the tools correctly and safely.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pick up the requested tools and perform the actions as guided by the teacher, focusing on safe use.

Learning Point: Matching tools to uses

Step 5: Guided Practice – Creating Artwork

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Practical Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to create a simple artwork, e.g., a paper collage using pre-cut shapes, glue, and crayons, or a simple drawing that requires colouring. The teacher moves around, supervising and assisting with safe tool use.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils use the selected art materials and tools safely to create their simple artwork under the teacher’s supervision.

Learning Point: Simple artwork creation

Step 6: Cleaning and Returning Tools

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Organisation/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils on how to clean their paintbrushes (if used) and put away other materials like crayons, pencils, and scissors in their designated places. The teacher emphasises tidiness.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils clean their tools and return them to their proper storage areas, tidying their workspace.

Learning Point: Cleaning and returning tools

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. Name two art materials we used today.
2. How should you hold scissors safely?
3. What should you do with your brush after painting?
4. Why is it important to use art tools carefully?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Safe art practice

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on safe handling of art materials and tools into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Art safety notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them to always use art materials and tools safely, whether in school or at home. The teacher collects their artworks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher’s concluding remarks.

Learning Point: Safe art summary

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Draw and colour a simple picture at home using any art materials you have. Remember to use them safely and put them away properly when you are done.

1. Draw a house or a tree.
2. Colour your drawing using crayons or pencils.
3. Show your drawing to your teacher next class.

Lesson Keywords

• Materials – Things used to make art, like paper and paint.
• Tools – Instruments used to create art, like pencils and scissors.
• Safe – Not likely to cause harm or injury.
• Artwork – A piece of art, like a drawing or painting.
• Handle – To touch, hold, or use something.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide pre-drawn outlines for them to colour. Offer more direct supervision and repeat safety instructions frequently, focusing on one tool at a time. Pair them with a faster learner for support.

For faster learners: Encourage them to add more details to their artwork or try combining more materials. Challenge them to explain the safety rules for each tool to a classmate.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further visual learning, search on YouTube for: Primary 1 safe art materials for kids

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Begin by ensuring all necessary art materials and tools (pencil, crayon, paper, paintbrush, glue, blunt-nosed scissors) are organised and ready for display and use. Start the lesson with an engaging introduction to art and its materials. Clearly demonstrate the safe use of each tool, paying special attention to scissors and glue, and explain the importance of safety. Guide pupils through practical activities, first matching tools to uses, then creating a simple artwork. Supervise closely during the practical session to ensure all pupils are handling tools safely. Emphasise cleaning and returning tools as part of the creative process. Allow pupils to copy the Board Summary notes after the practical activities and evaluation. Conclude by reinforcing the main lesson idea of safe and responsible art practice.