Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: understand how graphic design communicates ideas and observations
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the core visual elements (line, shape, colour, texture, typography, space) and their communicative functions.
  • Analyse how colour theory and symbolism influence the interpretation of a message.
  • Apply layout principles (balance, hierarchy, alignment, repetition, proximity) to create clear visual communication.
  • Produce a graphic piece (poster, information graphic, or branding identity) that demonstrates observation, research, and effective visual language.
  • Evaluate personal and peer work against IGCSE graphic communication criteria.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sketchbooks, A4 paper, pencils, coloured pencils/markers
  • Printed handouts of visual‑element examples and colour‑association table
  • Laptops or tablets with simple design software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop)
  • Mood‑board templates and assessment rubrics
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick slideshow of iconic posters that instantly convey a message, asking students what visual clues they notice. Recall previous lessons on basic elements of art and discuss how these elements become purposeful tools in graphic design. Explain that today they will explore how to harness line, colour, typography and layout to communicate specific ideas, and they will be assessed on their ability to research, design and evaluate a graphic piece.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Examine a set of posters and note the visual elements used to convey the message.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review core elements, colour symbolism, and layout principles with projector.
  3. Guided analysis (10'): Whole‑class discussion of a case‑study poster, identifying how elements achieve communication.
  4. Hands‑on activity (20'): In pairs, create a quick information graphic (e.g., school timetable) in sketchbooks, applying the learned principles; teacher circulates for support.
  5. Peer feedback (10'): Exchange work and use a checklist to evaluate clarity of communication and use of visual language.
  6. Reflection & exit ticket (5'): Write one way to improve the design for the upcoming IGCSE project.
Conclusion:
Summarise how line, colour, typography and layout work together to deliver a clear message, referencing the examples created today. Collect the exit tickets that capture each student’s improvement goal. For homework, ask students to keep a visual diary for the next three days, recording observations of colour, texture and form in their environment to use for their upcoming branding identity project.