Stages in printing and creation of a simple print design for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 7
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: Meaning, types and materials
Topic: Printing: Process And Print Making
Subject Matter: Stages in printing and creation of a simple print design

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• List stages involved in printing.

Psychomotor Domain

• Create designs using print materials.

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
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Leaf
• Yam
• Screen mesh (optional, for demonstration of concept)
• Cardboard paper
• Ink (poster paint or printing ink)
• Small plates or trays for ink
• Newspaper to protect surfaces

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces pupils to a fundamental art form, allowing them to express creativity through tactile processes. Understanding printing stages helps develop their sequential thinking and fine motor skills. It also provides a practical way for pupils to appreciate how designs can be reproduced.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of drawing, colouring, and identifying different shapes and patterns.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Printing: Process And Print Making

What is Printing?

Printing is a way of transferring designs or images from one surface to another, usually onto paper or fabric, by using ink or paint.

Stages in Printing

The process of making a print involves several steps:

1. Design Creation: First, you think of a design or draw it on a surface.
2. Preparation of Printing Surface: The design is prepared on a material like a leaf, a carved yam, or a screen.
3. Application of Ink/Colour: Ink or paint is applied evenly to the raised parts of the printing surface.
4. Transferring the Print: The inked surface is pressed firmly onto paper or fabric to transfer the design.
5. Drying: The printed paper or fabric is left to dry so the ink does not smudge.

Creation of a Simple Print Design

Simple print designs can be made using everyday materials:

1. Leaf Printing:
   1. Apply ink thinly to the veined side of a leaf.
   2. Place the inked leaf carefully onto a piece of paper.
   3. Press gently and evenly all over the leaf.
   4. Lift the leaf to reveal the print.
2. Yam Printing:
   1. Cut a yam into a flat block.
   2. Carve a simple design into the flat surface of the yam.
   3. Apply ink to the carved design.
   4. Press the yam block onto paper to make a print.
3. Thumb/Finger Printing:
   1. Dip a thumb or finger lightly into ink.
   2. Press the inked thumb/finger onto paper to create a print.
   3. Repeated prints can form patterns or shapes.

These methods allow for the creation of repeated patterns and unique designs.

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/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about different ways they can create pictures or designs (e.g., drawing, painting). The teacher then introduces the idea of “printing” as another way to make designs.

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

Learning Point: Introduction to printing

Step 2: Explanation of Printing

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what printing is in simple terms, using examples like fingerprints or stamps. “Printing is a way to transfer a design from one surface to another using ink or paint.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and try to understand the meaning of printing.

Learning Point: Meaning of printing

Step 3: Stages in Printing

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains the five stages involved in printing: design creation, preparation of printing surface, application of ink, transferring the print, and drying. The teacher can use simple gestures to illustrate each stage.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and repeat the stages after the teacher.

Learning Point: Stages in printing

Step 4: Introduction of Printing Materials

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Display

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the instructional materials (leaf, yam, cardboard, ink) and explains how each can be used for simple printing. The teacher also shows how to prepare the ink in a shallow tray.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials and listen to the teacher’s explanation.

Learning Point: Printing materials

Step 5: Demonstration of Simple Print Making

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates a safe, simple print process, such as a leaf print or a yam print, step-by-step. The teacher emphasizes safety when handling ink and any tools (if carving yam).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Print making demonstration

Step 6: Guided Practice and Creation of Print Designs

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes materials (leaves, yam pieces, cardboard paper, ink) and guides pupils to create their own simple print designs, encouraging them to make repeated patterns. The teacher moves around to assist and correct.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively engage in creating their simple print designs using the provided materials, following the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Practical print 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:

1. List two stages involved in printing.
2. What materials did we use to make our prints today?
3. Show me one of the print designs you created.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Printing stages and creation

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 printing stages and simple print creation into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils 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 briefly reminds pupils that printing is an exciting way to make art and encourages them to practice more at home using safe materials. The teacher praises their efforts and creativity.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and appreciate the encouragement.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of printing

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Using safe materials available at home (e.g., leaves, fingers, small cut vegetables, poster paint), create a simple print design on a piece of paper or old fabric. Bring your creation to class next week.

1. Find a leaf with clear veins or a small vegetable like okra or potato.
2. Apply a thin layer of paint or ink to your chosen material.
3. Press it onto a piece of paper or old cloth to make a print.
4. Try to create a repeated pattern.
5. Bring your printed artwork to school.

Lesson Keywords

• Printing – Transferring a design from one surface to another.
• Design – A plan or drawing made to be printed.
• Ink – Coloured liquid used for printing.
• Print – The image created by the printing process.
• Pattern – A repeated decorative design.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: Provide pre-cut yam blocks or simpler leaves for printing. Offer more one-on-one guidance during the practical activity, demonstrating steps slowly and clearly. Encourage them to focus on making just one clear print before attempting patterns.

For learners needing enrichment: Challenge them to create more complex patterns or combine different printing materials (e.g., a leaf print within a yam print design). Encourage them to think about different colours and textures.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, pupils can search on YouTube for:
Primary 4 simple print making
leaf printing for kids

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, gather all necessary instructional materials: various leaves, yam (pre-cut into blocks if possible, or have a knife ready for safe carving), cardboard paper, and different colours of ink or poster paint. Ensure you have newspaper to protect desks and a damp cloth for cleaning hands. Begin by engaging pupils with questions about art and design to smoothly transition into the concept of printing. Clearly demonstrate each stage of printing, especially the practical aspect of creating a simple print with a leaf or yam. Emphasise safety, particularly when handling ink to avoid stains and when using any cutting tools for yam. During the guided practice, circulate among pupils, offering individual assistance and encouragement. Observe their attempts to create designs and provide constructive feedback. Allow sufficient time for pupils to copy the Board Summary notes after the practical session. Conclude by reinforcing the main learning points and encouraging them to explore printing further at home.