Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: understand relevant graphic communication styles and techniques used by designers past and present
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe major historical graphic communication styles and their key characteristics.
  • Explain contemporary techniques and how they build on earlier movements.
  • Analyse design choices in terms of style, technique, and communication purpose.
  • Apply at least two historical styles and one contemporary technique in a design project.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Computer with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Canva)
  • Printed handouts of style reference sheets
  • Sketchbooks and drawing pencils
  • Sample images of Bauhaus, Swiss, Pop Art, Post‑Modern, and Digital designs
  • Rulers, colour markers, and grid templates
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual montage of iconic designs from Bauhaus to modern digital interfaces to spark curiosity. Ask students to share which images immediately communicate a clear message and why, linking to prior knowledge of visual language. Explain that today they will build a visual vocabulary by exploring historic styles and contemporary techniques, with success measured by a short design challenge.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students view a slideshow of diverse graphic works and note observed styles in a quick journal entry.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of major historical styles (Bauhaus, Swiss, Pop Art, Post‑Modern) highlighting key characteristics and typical techniques.
  3. Interactive comparison (10’) – In pairs, students match sample designs to the correct style using a prepared worksheet, followed by brief whole‑class feedback.
  4. Contemporary techniques showcase (10’) – Demonstration of variable fonts, responsive grids, and data visualisation using the projector; students note differences from historic methods.
  5. Guided practice (20’) – Choose one historical style and one contemporary technique to begin a poster or web mock‑up; teacher circulates, offering targeted support.
  6. Peer review (10’) – Students display their work, identify the styles/techniques used, and give constructive feedback using the assessment checklist.
  7. Reflection & exit ticket (5’) – Write one way the studied styles could influence a future design project; submit as exit ticket.
Conclusion:
Summarise how understanding past movements equips students to make purposeful design choices today. Collect exit tickets and remind learners to refine their projects for the upcoming assessment checklist. Assign a brief homework: create a mood board that combines a historic style with a modern technique.