Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Basic Design
Previous Lesson: Impact of African Art on Western Art.
Topic: SHAPES AND COLOUR IN BASIC DESIGN
Subject Matter: Meaning of basic design (arranging elements to create visual order), block and pen lettering using basic geometric shapes and design.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define basic design.
Identify common geometric shapes used in design.
Explain the role of colour in enhancing readability and balance in design.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of balance and readability in design.
Show interest in creating visually appealing designs.

Psychomotor Domain:

Create simple designs using geometric shapes.
Produce block and pen lettering based on geometric forms.
Apply colour effectively to design work.

Share and discuss their design ideas with peers.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Visual Arts for Senior Secondary Schools Textbook

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Examples of basic designs and lettering
Colour pencils/crayons/paint
Brushes
Pencils
Drawing paper
Ruler
T-square
Drawing board
Set square

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand fundamental principles of visual organization and aesthetics. It enables them to apply geometric shapes and colour effectively to create balanced and readable designs, which is useful in various art and design fields.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of drawing, identifying simple shapes, and understanding primary and secondary colours.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Shapes and Colour in Basic Design

Meaning of Basic Design

Basic design involves arranging visual elements such as lines, shapes, colours, and textures to create a harmonious and functional composition. It focuses on principles like balance, contrast, rhythm, and unity to achieve visual order and appeal.

Geometric Shapes in Design

Geometric shapes are forms derived from mathematical figures. They are fundamental building blocks in design and lettering due to their clear, structured nature. The following are common geometric shapes:

Circles
Squares
Rectangles
Triangles
Polygons

Block and Pen Lettering

Block Lettering: This style uses thick, uniform strokes to create solid letter forms. Block letters are often constructed using basic geometric shapes like rectangles and squares, providing a strong and clear appearance.

Pen Lettering: While also structured, pen lettering can incorporate varied line weights and calligraphic elements. It requires precision and control to ensure readability and aesthetic quality. Both block and pen lettering demand careful planning to achieve balanced and legible text.

Role of Colour in Design

Colour is an important element that significantly influences the mood, message, and readability of a design. It can be used to:

Create contrast and highlight important elements.
Establish harmony and unity within a composition.
Evoke specific emotions and convey meaning.
Enhance the overall visual impact and clarity of a design.

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 identify simple shapes found in the classroom and in everyday objects. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Shapes and Colour in Basic Design.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by identifying various shapes around them. They listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of shapes and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Meaning of Basic Design

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of basic design as the arrangement of visual elements to create order and appeal. The teacher uses examples of good and poor designs to illustrate the concept.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and participate in a brief discussion about the examples provided.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what basic design entails.

Step 3: Geometric Shapes in Design

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to use basic geometric shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles) as foundational elements in creating simple designs. The teacher sketches examples on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and identify the geometric shapes being used.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize and understand the application of geometric shapes in design.

Step 4: Block and Pen Lettering

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the construction of block and pen lettering using geometric shapes as guides. The teacher explains the importance of consistent strokes and spacing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice drawing simple block letters and pen letters in their sketchbooks, following the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the techniques for creating structured lettering.

Step 5: Applying Colour to Design

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to apply colour carefully to enhance readability and balance in the lettering and designs. The teacher explains how different colours can create contrast or harmony.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the colouring techniques and prepare their materials for practical application.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the principles of using colour effectively in design.

Step 6: Practical Application

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Work/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to create a simple design or lettering using geometric shapes and apply colour, focusing on readability and balance. The teacher moves around to provide individual assistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work on their design tasks, applying the concepts learned.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge and skills in practical design creation.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

What is basic design?
Mention three geometric shapes commonly used in design.
Explain the difference between block and pen lettering.
How does colour contribute to a good design?
Create a simple block letter ‘C’ on your paper using geometric shapes.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of shapes and colour in creating effective designs. The teacher encourages pupils to practice more at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take note of the summary.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the main concepts of the lesson.

Lesson Keywords

Basic Design – The arrangement of visual elements to create order and appeal.
Geometric Shapes – Forms like circles, squares, and triangles used as building blocks in design.
Block Lettering – A style of lettering with thick, uniform strokes, often based on geometric shapes.
Pen Lettering – Structured lettering that can incorporate varied line weights, requiring precision.
Colour – An element used to enhance readability, balance, and convey mood in design.
Readability – How easily text or design elements can be understood.
Balance – The distribution of visual weight in a design to achieve stability.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide pre-drawn templates of geometric shapes and simple lettering guides. Advanced learners will be challenged to create more complex designs or experiment with different colour schemes and textures.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to experiment with different combinations of shapes and colours. Provide a variety of examples from everyday life (posters, logos, signage) to illustrate the principles of basic design. Emphasize neatness and precision in drawing and colouring.