Understanding Motifs: Patterns in Design Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 14-15 years
Topic: Motif
Sub-topic: Meaning and Types of Motifs
Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define the term “motif” and explain its significance in design.
2. Identify different types of motifs and provide examples.
3. Create their own simple motif designs.

Key Words

• Motif
• Design
• Plant Motifs
• Floral Motifs
• Traditional Motifs
• Geometrical Motifs

Set Induction

Start with a question: “What patterns do you notice in your clothes or surroundings?” Discuss students’ observations about patterns and designs.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic understanding of design elements and their importance in art.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Images of different motifs
• Printed examples of motifs
• Reference books: Lagos State Scheme of Work, Cultural and Creative Arts textbooks

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss previous lessons on design principles and their applications in art and culture.

Embedded Core Skills

• Creative thinking
• Observational skills
• Communication skills

Learning Materials

• Images and samples of motifs
• Printed handouts explaining different types of motifs

Instructional Materials

• Projector
• Whiteboard and markers
• Art supplies for creating motifs (paper, pencils, colors)

Content

1. Meaning of Motif:
   • A motif is a unit of a design that serves as a recurring element in art and crafts. It can be a pattern, theme, or idea that adds interest and coherence to a work.
2. Types of Motifs with Examples:
   • Plant Motifs:
     • Designs inspired by natural plants and trees.
     • Example: Leaves, vines, and tree patterns.
   • Floral Motifs:
     • Designs that depict flowers and blossoms.
     • Example: Rose patterns, sunflower designs.
   • Traditional Motifs:
     • Designs rooted in cultural heritage and traditional patterns.
     • Example: Adinkra symbols from Ghana, traditional African textile patterns.
   • Geometrical Motifs:
     • Designs based on geometric shapes and forms.
     • Example: Triangles, circles, and squares arranged in a pattern.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. A motif is a unit of a _______. (a) color (b) texture (c) design (d) shape
2. Plant motifs are inspired by _______. (a) animals (b) buildings (c) plants (d) colors
3. Floral motifs primarily feature _______. (a) trees (b) leaves (c) flowers (d) fruits
4. Traditional motifs are rooted in _______ heritage. (a) cultural (b) scientific (c) technological (d) literary
5. Geometrical motifs are based on _______ shapes. (a) random (b) organic (c) geometric (d) natural
6. An example of a floral motif is a _______. (a) leaf (b) rose (c) triangle (d) line
7. Adinkra symbols are examples of _______ motifs. (a) plant (b) traditional (c) floral (d) geometrical
8. Geometrical motifs can include _______ shapes. (a) only circles (b) only squares (c) various (d) no shapes
9. Motifs add _______ to a design. (a) confusion (b) interest (c) weight (d) noise
10. Plant motifs often represent _______. (a) technology (b) nature (c) history (d) fiction
11. A common example of a geometrical motif is a _______. (a) flower (b) square (c) leaf (d) vine
12. Traditional motifs often tell _______ stories. (a) personal (b) historical (c) fictional (d) universal
13. Motifs can be used in _______ designs. (a) colorless (b) varied (c) unstructured (d) random
14. Floral motifs can be found in _______ art. (a) modern (b) traditional (c) both (d) abstract
15. Plant motifs are used to reflect _______ themes. (a) urban (b) natural (c) abstract (d) digital

Lesson Breakdown:

1. Meaning of Motif
   • A motif is a repeated design element or pattern used in art and design. It can be a unit of a design, often a recognizable shape or symbol, used to create visual interest or convey specific themes.
2. Types of Motifs with Examples
   • Plant Motifs: Designs inspired by plant forms, such as leaves, branches, and roots. These are often used in fabric and textile patterns.
   • Floral Motifs: Patterns based on flowers, commonly found in embroidery, jewelry, and decorative arts.
   • Traditional Motifs: Designs rooted in cultural heritage, including symbols and patterns unique to a specific culture or region. For example, Nigerian tribal patterns and symbols.
   • Geometrical Motifs: Patterns based on geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. These motifs are frequently used in architectural decorations and modern designs.

Class Activities:

1. Class Discussion:
   • Discuss the concept of motifs and why they are used in art and design.
2. Visual Presentation:
   • Show examples of each type of motif, highlighting their features and uses in various forms of art.
3. Motif Creation Activity:
   • Have students design their own motif based on a chosen type (plant, floral, traditional, or geometrical) and share it with the class.

Evaluation:

• Define a motif.
• List four types of motifs and give an example of each.

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a motif?
   A motif is a recurring unit of design that adds interest and coherence to artwork.
2. Can motifs be found in nature?
   Yes, motifs can be inspired by natural elements like plants, flowers, and animals.
3. What are examples of plant motifs?
   Examples include leaves, vines, and tree patterns.
4. How do floral motifs differ from plant motifs?
   Floral motifs specifically depict flowers, while plant motifs can include all types of plant life.
5. What are traditional motifs?
   Traditional motifs are designs rooted in cultural heritage and often reflect historical significance.
6. What types of shapes are used in geometrical motifs?
   Geometrical motifs use shapes like triangles, circles, and squares.
7. Why are motifs important in design?
   Motifs add visual interest, help convey themes, and create a cohesive look in art.
8. How can I create my own motif?
   You can draw inspiration from nature, cultural symbols, or geometric shapes and combine them to create a unique design.
9. Are motifs only found in visual art?
   No, motifs can also appear in music, literature, and other art forms.
10. Can motifs tell a story?
    Yes, motifs can represent cultural stories or themes through their design and symbolism.
11. Where can I see motifs in everyday life?
    Motifs are found in textiles, wallpapers, logos, and architectural designs.
12. What are some examples of traditional motifs?
    Examples include African textile patterns and indigenous symbols.
13. How are motifs used in crafts?
    They can be applied in fabric designs, pottery, and jewelry.
14. What is the difference between a motif and a pattern?
    A motif is a single design unit, while a pattern is a repeated arrangement of motifs.
15. Can I combine different types of motifs?
    Yes, combining different motifs can create unique and interesting designs.

Presentation

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Nigerian Contemporary Artwork.”
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Motif.”
3. Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their contributions and corrects them when necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Facilitate discussions on the meaning and types of motifs.
• Show images of various motifs and engage students in identifying them.
• Guide students in creating their own motifs.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions and share observations about motifs.
• Analyze images and examples of different types of motifs.
• Create simple motif designs using art supplies.

Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussions.
• Review responses to fill-in-the-blank questions.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define the term “motif.”
2. What are the different types of motifs?
3. Give an example of a plant motif.
4. How do traditional motifs differ from floral motifs?
5. Explain the significance of motifs in design.
6. Name one example of a geometrical motif.
7. Describe how motifs can be used in crafts.
8. What does a floral motif typically feature?
9. Discuss the importance of traditional motifs in culture.
10. How can you create your own motif?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark the answers and provides feedback on the topic. Summarize the importance of motifs in design and encourage students to explore motifs in their artwork.