QUESTION 1
Your school principal has asked you to present a showcase for Heritage Day at your school. She
wants learners not only to create artwork suited for the event but also to present an art discussion
to help create cross-cultural appreciation. You have decided to let your Grade 5 Creative Arts
class discuss African textiles according to art elements and principles, as well as the history of the
fabric, as part of the showcase.
• Explain how you will facilitate the lesson where learners will evaluate different tribes’ fabric
and report on the visual qualities (Elements of art and principles of design) of each in
preparation for the showcase.
• Include images that you will use in class, of the textiles chosen, which tribe they
represent and why they were chosen as part of preparing learners for the showcase.
1. Introduction to African Textiles
Objective: To introduce learners to the diverse and rich tradition of African textiles.
Materials: Images of different African textiles, information about the tribes, and examples of
textiles (physical or in pictures).
Steps:
Begin with a brief introduction to African textiles, explaining their importance in various cultures
and how they are often used to tell stories or signify status.
Discuss the elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, space, form, value) and principles of
design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity) briefly.
2. Exploration of Specific Textiles
Objective: To explore the textiles of different African tribes and understand their visual qualities.
Materials: Images of textiles, background information on the tribes, art supplies for sketching and
designing.
Textiles and Tribes to Feature:
Kente Cloth (Ashanti Tribe, Ghana)
, Why Chosen: Known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Kente cloth
is an excellent example of balance, pattern, and rhythm in textile design.
Visual Qualities: Discuss the use of color, symmetry, and geometric
shapes.
Mud Cloth (Bògòlanfini) (Bambara Tribe, Mali)
Why Chosen: Mud cloth is a traditional fabric with symbolic patterns.
It’s a great example of contrast and texture.
Visual Qualities: Focus on the use of organic shapes and natural
colors, as well as the cultural significance of the symbols.
Adire Cloth (Yoruba Tribe, Nigeria)
Why Chosen: Adire cloth is known for its resist-dye techniques,
showcasing a unique approach to pattern and texture.
Visual Qualities: Emphasize the patterns created by the resist-dye
process, the repetition of motifs, and the overall balance of the design.
3. Group Activity: Evaluating and Presenting
Objective: To have learners work in groups to evaluate the textiles and
prepare a short presentation.
Materials: Printed images, worksheet for analysis, markers, poster boards.
Steps:
, Divide the class into groups, assigning each group a different textile.
Provide each group with images and background information on their assigned textile.
Ask each group to analyze their textile using the elements of art and principles of design.
Have groups create a poster with their findings, including sketches and notes on visual qualities.
Each group will present their poster to the class, explaining the visual qualities and cultural
significance of their textile.
4. Hands-On Activity: Creating Inspired Artwork
Objective: To let learners create their own artwork inspired by the African textiles they studied.
Materials: Fabric pieces, fabric paints, brushes, markers, and other art supplies.
Steps:
Provide learners with plain fabric pieces and art supplies.
Encourage them to create their own designs inspired by the textiles they learned about, applying
the elements of art and principles of design.
Display the finished artworks as part of the Heritage Day showcase.
5. Reflection and Discussion
Objective: To reflect on what was learned and discuss the importance of cross-cultural
appreciation.
Materials: Reflection worksheets, discussion prompts.
Steps:
Lead a class discussion on what learners learned about African textiles and their cultural
significance.
Ask learners to reflect on how studying these textiles helps in understanding and appreciating
different cultures.
Collect the reflection worksheets and display them alongside the artworks for the Heritage Day
showcase.
Your school principal has asked you to present a showcase for Heritage Day at your school. She
wants learners not only to create artwork suited for the event but also to present an art discussion
to help create cross-cultural appreciation. You have decided to let your Grade 5 Creative Arts
class discuss African textiles according to art elements and principles, as well as the history of the
fabric, as part of the showcase.
• Explain how you will facilitate the lesson where learners will evaluate different tribes’ fabric
and report on the visual qualities (Elements of art and principles of design) of each in
preparation for the showcase.
• Include images that you will use in class, of the textiles chosen, which tribe they
represent and why they were chosen as part of preparing learners for the showcase.
1. Introduction to African Textiles
Objective: To introduce learners to the diverse and rich tradition of African textiles.
Materials: Images of different African textiles, information about the tribes, and examples of
textiles (physical or in pictures).
Steps:
Begin with a brief introduction to African textiles, explaining their importance in various cultures
and how they are often used to tell stories or signify status.
Discuss the elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, space, form, value) and principles of
design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity) briefly.
2. Exploration of Specific Textiles
Objective: To explore the textiles of different African tribes and understand their visual qualities.
Materials: Images of textiles, background information on the tribes, art supplies for sketching and
designing.
Textiles and Tribes to Feature:
Kente Cloth (Ashanti Tribe, Ghana)
, Why Chosen: Known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Kente cloth
is an excellent example of balance, pattern, and rhythm in textile design.
Visual Qualities: Discuss the use of color, symmetry, and geometric
shapes.
Mud Cloth (Bògòlanfini) (Bambara Tribe, Mali)
Why Chosen: Mud cloth is a traditional fabric with symbolic patterns.
It’s a great example of contrast and texture.
Visual Qualities: Focus on the use of organic shapes and natural
colors, as well as the cultural significance of the symbols.
Adire Cloth (Yoruba Tribe, Nigeria)
Why Chosen: Adire cloth is known for its resist-dye techniques,
showcasing a unique approach to pattern and texture.
Visual Qualities: Emphasize the patterns created by the resist-dye
process, the repetition of motifs, and the overall balance of the design.
3. Group Activity: Evaluating and Presenting
Objective: To have learners work in groups to evaluate the textiles and
prepare a short presentation.
Materials: Printed images, worksheet for analysis, markers, poster boards.
Steps:
, Divide the class into groups, assigning each group a different textile.
Provide each group with images and background information on their assigned textile.
Ask each group to analyze their textile using the elements of art and principles of design.
Have groups create a poster with their findings, including sketches and notes on visual qualities.
Each group will present their poster to the class, explaining the visual qualities and cultural
significance of their textile.
4. Hands-On Activity: Creating Inspired Artwork
Objective: To let learners create their own artwork inspired by the African textiles they studied.
Materials: Fabric pieces, fabric paints, brushes, markers, and other art supplies.
Steps:
Provide learners with plain fabric pieces and art supplies.
Encourage them to create their own designs inspired by the textiles they learned about, applying
the elements of art and principles of design.
Display the finished artworks as part of the Heritage Day showcase.
5. Reflection and Discussion
Objective: To reflect on what was learned and discuss the importance of cross-cultural
appreciation.
Materials: Reflection worksheets, discussion prompts.
Steps:
Lead a class discussion on what learners learned about African textiles and their cultural
significance.
Ask learners to reflect on how studying these textiles helps in understanding and appreciating
different cultures.
Collect the reflection worksheets and display them alongside the artworks for the Heritage Day
showcase.
