Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson focuses on the practical applications of screen printing on various fabrics. Teachers should prepare a variety of fabric items suitable for screen printing and ensure all necessary screen printing materials are available for demonstration and student practice. Emphasise safety precautions during the printing process. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to identify several uses of screen-printed fabrics and demonstrate basic screen printing on a fabric item.
Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 11
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Dyeing and Bleaching
Previous Lesson: Silk Screen Printing Procedures
Topic: USES OF SCREEN PRINTING FABRICS, E.G BED, SPREADS/PILLOW, TABLE LAMPCOVER, BAGS, TOPS, BOUBON ETC.
Subject Matter: The teacher explains the uses of screen printing materials. The students listen and ask questions. The students demonstrate printing on fabric. The teacher guides them
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify various fabric items that can be screen printed.
- List at least five uses of screen printing on fabrics.
- Explain the benefits of using screen printing for specific fabric items.
Affective Domain
- Show interest in the creative applications of screen printing.
- Appreciate the versatility of screen printing in fabric decoration.
- Ask relevant questions about the uses and process of screen printing on fabrics.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the basic steps of screen printing on a fabric sample.
- Apply screen printing techniques to create a simple design on a fabric item.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- A suitable Dyeing and Bleaching textbook for SS 3
- FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Samples of screen-printed fabrics (e.g., bedspread, pillowcase, bag, T-shirt)
- Screen printing frame with mesh
- Squeegee
- Fabric printing ink
- Fabric samples for demonstration and practice
- Stencils or designs
- Newspapers or protective sheets
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps students understand the practical applications of screen printing beyond theoretical knowledge. By exploring various uses of screen-printed fabrics, students can appreciate the craft’s relevance in everyday life and potential career paths. It also provides an opportunity for hands-on experience, reinforcing their understanding of the screen printing process.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have prior knowledge of basic screen printing materials and the general concept of screen printing.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
USES OF SCREEN PRINTING FABRICS
Introduction to Screen Printing Fabric Uses
Screen printing is a versatile technique used to apply designs onto a wide range of fabric items. Its ability to produce vibrant colours and durable prints makes it suitable for both decorative and functional purposes in textiles.
Common Uses of Screen Printing on Fabrics
Screen printing is widely used to decorate and customise various fabric items. Some common applications include:
- Bedspreads and Pillowcases: Creating decorative patterns, motifs, or themed designs for bedding to enhance room aesthetics.
- Table Lamp Covers: Adding unique designs or textures to fabric lamp shades, contributing to interior decor.
- Bags: Customising tote bags, shopping bags, or fashion bags with logos, artwork, or promotional messages.
- Tops and T-shirts: Producing graphic designs, branding, or artistic prints on apparel for fashion, events, or uniforms.
- Boubou and other Traditional Attire: Decorating traditional Nigerian garments with intricate patterns and cultural motifs.
- Curtains and Drapes: Printing decorative elements or repeating patterns on window treatments to complement home furnishings.
- Scarves and Bandanas: Adding fashionable designs, brand logos, or artistic patterns to accessories.
- Aprons and Kitchen Towels: Customising kitchen textiles with functional or decorative prints.
- Flags and Banners: Creating durable and vibrant designs for promotional materials, events, or national symbols.
- Upholstery Fabric: Applying patterns to fabrics used for furniture covering, though often requiring specialised inks for durability.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various screen-printed fabric items (e.g., a T-shirt, a small bag, a piece of printed fabric) and asks students to identify the printing method used. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Uses of Screen Printing Fabrics.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the items, identify screen printing, and listen attentively to the topic introduction.
Learning Point: Introduction to topic
Step 2: Explanation of Uses
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the wide range of uses for screen printing on fabrics, listing examples such as bedspreads, pillowcases, table lamp covers, bags, tops, and boubou. The teacher uses the displayed samples to illustrate these uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, observe the samples, and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Various uses of screen printing
Step 3: Discussion of Specific Examples
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on why screen printing is particularly suitable for each of the mentioned fabric items, considering factors like durability, colour vibrancy, and cost-effectiveness. The teacher encourages students to suggest other possible uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, share their ideas, and contribute to identifying suitable applications.
Learning Point: Suitability of screen printing
Step 4: Demonstration Preparation
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Organisation/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher sets up the screen printing station, laying out the screen, squeegee, fabric ink, and fabric samples. The teacher briefly reviews safety precautions when handling inks and tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the setup process and pay attention to safety instructions.
Learning Point: Screen printing setup and safety
Step 5: Teacher Demonstration of Printing
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the process of screen printing on a fabric sample, explaining each step clearly: positioning the fabric, placing the screen, applying ink, using the squeegee, and carefully removing the screen. The teacher highlights common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, noting the techniques and asking questions about the process.
Learning Point: Screen printing technique demonstration
Step 6: Guided Student Practice
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students as they attempt to screen print on small fabric samples. The teacher provides individual assistance, corrects techniques, and encourages students to apply what they have learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice screen printing on fabric samples under the teacher’s guidance, applying the demonstrated techniques.
Learning Point: Practical screen printing application
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- List three fabric items that can be screen printed.
- Mention two advantages of using screen printing for decorating fabrics.
- What is the function of a squeegee in screen printing?
- Briefly describe one step in the screen printing process you demonstrated.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Understanding screen printing uses
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the uses of screen printing fabrics into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson content
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the versatility of screen printing in decorating various fabric items and its importance in textile design and customisation. The teacher encourages students to explore more applications.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson.
Learning Point: Consolidation of uses
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework/Project
Instruction: Research and prepare a short presentation or a written report on the following:
- Identify five other fabric items or products not discussed in class that can be effectively screen printed.
- For each item, explain why screen printing is a suitable method for its decoration.
- If possible, bring a picture or a small sample of one of these items.
Lesson Keywords
- Screen printing – A printing technique where ink is forced through a mesh screen onto a substrate.
- Fabrics – Textile materials made by weaving, knitting, or felting fibres.
- Bedspreads – Decorative coverings for beds.
- Pillowcases – Covers for pillows.
- Table lamp cover – Fabric shade for a table lamp.
- Boubou – A flowing wide-sleeved robe worn by men and women in parts of West Africa.
- Squeegee – A tool with a rubber blade used to force ink through a screen.
Differentiation
For struggling learners: Provide pre-printed examples with labels. Offer more one-on-one guidance during the practical demonstration. Simplify the note-taking by providing a partially filled outline. Focus on identifying just three main uses.
For advanced learners: Challenge them to design a simple stencil for a specific fabric item and explain the design choices. Encourage them to research different types of fabric inks and their applications. Ask them to consider the commercial aspects of screen printing on fabrics.
Suggested Lesson Videos
Search YouTube for “uses of screen printing on fabric” or “screen printing demonstration on textiles”.

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