Skip to content
HeadTeacher.ng
Lesson Notes

Lesson Note on Shapes and Colour in Basic Design: Book Covers and Posters for SS 2

This lesson note on Shapes and Colour in Basic Design for SS 2 covers advertising design and features of book covers and posters with guided practical creation.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedMar 7, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Basic Design Principles
Previous Lesson: Shapes and Colour in Basic Design: Geometric Lettering.
Topic: SHAPES AND COLOR IN BASIC DESIGN
Subject Matter: Advertising design (features of book cover and posters)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define advertising design.
  • List at least three features of a book cover.
  • Identify at least three features of a poster.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the role of effective design in visual communication.
  • Value the importance of colour harmony and typography in design.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Design a simple book cover incorporating key features.
  • Create a basic poster with a clear message and balanced layout.

Social Domain:

  • Collaborate with peers to discuss design ideas and receive feedback.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
  • State Unified Scheme of Work
  • Comprehensive Visual Art for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Poster samples
  • Cartridge paper
  • Colour materials (e.g., pencils, crayons, markers)
  • Drawing instruments (e.g., rulers, erasers)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how shapes and colours are used effectively in advertising design. It enables them to create visually appealing book covers and posters, which are important for communicating messages in everyday life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of drawing, shapes, and colours from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ADVERTISING DESIGN

What is Advertising Design?

Advertising design is the art of creating visual content to promote products, services, or ideas. It aims to capture attention and communicate a message effectively to a target audience.

Features of a Book Cover Design

A book cover is the first impression a reader gets of a book. Key features include:

  • Title Placement: The title should be prominent and easy to read.
  • Typography: The choice of fonts should reflect the book’s genre and mood.
  • Colour Harmony: Colours used should be visually appealing and evoke appropriate emotions.
  • Focal Point: A main image or element that immediately draws the eye.
  • Imagery: Relevant pictures or illustrations that convey the book’s theme.
  • Author Name: Clearly displayed, usually below the title.
  • Blurb/Synopsis: A short description on the back cover to entice readers.

Features of a Poster Design

Posters are used to convey information quickly and effectively, often for events or promotions. Important features are:

  • Clear Message: The main point of the poster should be immediately understandable.
  • Balanced Layout: Elements should be arranged in a way that is visually pleasing and easy to follow.
  • Typography: Fonts should be legible from a distance and suit the message.
  • Colour: Used to attract attention and create mood, often with high contrast.
  • Imagery: Strong, relevant images or graphics that support the message.
  • Call to Action: Instructions on what the viewer should do (e.g., “Buy tickets,” “Attend”).
  • White Space: Empty areas that help separate elements and improve readability.

Importance of Shapes and Colour in Advertising Design

Shapes and colours are fundamental elements in advertising design because they influence perception and emotion. Shapes create structure and direct the eye, while colours convey mood, attract attention, and can be associated with brands or specific messages.

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, reviews the previous lesson on basic shapes and colours, and then introduces the topic of advertising design by showing examples of book covers and posters.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall previous knowledge, and observe the examples provided.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to advertising design and its visual forms.

Step 2: Explanation of Advertising Design

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines advertising design, explaining its purpose in communicating messages and attracting attention. The teacher also highlights the role of shapes and colours in achieving these goals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and purpose of advertising design.

Step 3: Discussion on Book Cover Features

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses various book cover samples to demonstrate and explain key features such as title placement, typography, colour harmony, focal point, and imagery. The teacher guides a discussion on why these features are important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, participate in the discussion, and identify the features on different book covers.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the essential features of effective book cover design.

Step 4: Discussion on Poster Features

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays different poster samples and discusses their features, focusing on clear messaging, balanced layout, legible typography, use of colour, and imagery. The teacher encourages pupils to analyze the effectiveness of each poster.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the poster samples, contribute to the discussion, and evaluate the communication effectiveness of the designs.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the essential features of effective poster design.

Step 5: Practical Design Activity – Book Cover

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to begin designing a simple book cover on cartridge paper, applying the principles discussed. The teacher moves around to provide guidance and feedback.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils use their drawing instruments and colour materials to start creating their book cover designs, focusing on a clear title, appropriate typography, and appealing imagery.
Learning Point: Pupils apply design principles to create a book cover.

Step 6: Practical Design Activity – Poster

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to begin designing a simple poster on cartridge paper, ensuring a clear message and balanced layout. The teacher provides support and monitors progress.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work on their poster designs, concentrating on conveying a specific message effectively using appropriate shapes, colours, and layout.
Learning Point: Pupils apply design principles to create a poster.

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 advertising design?
  2. Mention three important features of a book cover.
  3. List three key features that make a poster effective.
  4. How do shapes and colours contribute to good advertising design?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points on advertising design, book covers, and posters, emphasizing the practical application of shapes and colours. The teacher assigns homework: pupils should complete their book cover and poster designs and bring them to the next class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any final questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are prepared for further practical work.

Lesson Keywords

  • Advertising Design – The creation of visual content to promote products, services, or ideas.
  • Book Cover – The outer covering of a book, designed to attract readers and convey its content.
  • Poster – A large printed picture or announcement displayed publicly, used to advertise or inform.
  • Typography – The style, arrangement, and appearance of printed letters and words.
  • Colour Harmony – The pleasing arrangement of colours in a design.
  • Focal Point – The part of a design that draws the eye first.
  • Layout – The arrangement of elements on a page or design.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, encourage more complex designs or the use of advanced colour schemes. For those needing more support, provide simpler templates or guide them through each step of the design process more closely.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to bring real-world examples of book covers and posters to class for discussion. Emphasize that effective design is not just about aesthetics but also about clear communication. Provide ample time for practical work and individual feedback during the design activities.

Export this post
Lesson Note on Shapes and Colour in Basic Design: Book Covers and Posters for SS 2
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +