MALAWI PRIMARY SCHOOLS STUDY NOTES

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STANDARD SIX NOTES

AGRICULTURE

BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

ENGLISH

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

UNIT

Unit 1
Body coordination and activities

Unit 2

Rhythmic activities

Unit 3

Self expression
Unit 4

Improving the quality of everyday life

Unit 5

Creativity

Unit 6

Artistic skills

Unit 7
Means of communication

Unit 8

Outdoor activities

Unit 9

Interpretation of artworks

Unit 10 Artistic performance

Unit 11 Decorative artworks

Unit 12 Home making

References
UNIT 1 BODY COORDINATION ACTIVITIES

Coordination of body parts is important because it prevents falls and injuries.

ACTIVITIES FOR ENHANCING COORDINATION

flexibility exercises

dancing

jogging

swimming

walking

running

IMPORTANCE OF DANCING

strengthening muscles

strengthening bones

enhancing creativity of the mind

promoting coordination of body parts

preventing unnecessary body injuries

helping in holistic growth and development

promoting a good health life

TRADITIONAL DANCES

Traditional dances are dances that are performed by members of the community. NB: The word
""traditional" suggests originality.
OCCASIONS WHEN DANCES ARE PERFORMED

weddings

funerals

initiation ceremonies

installation of chiefs

political gatherings

festivals

BENEFITS (IMPORTANCE) OF TRADITIONAL DANCES

identity

unifying people

entertainment

TRADITIONAL DANCES AND THEIR ORIGINS

Dance ---- District of origin

Likhuba - - - Nsanje

Utse - - - Nsanje

Mganda - - -Dowa

Msindo - - - Ntcheu
Ingoma - - - Mzimba

Vimbuza - - - Chitipa

When these dances are created and performed by the learners, they may be referred to as educational
dances

Educational dances are dances that are created and performed by the learners.

UNIT 2 RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES DEFINITIONS OF THE TERM RHYTHM

Rhythm is grouping of sounds and silences Or

Rhythm is grouping of actions and pauses

EXAMPLES OF RHYTHMS

breathing

heartbeat

clock ticking

walking

singing

pounding (e.g maize in a mortar)

IMPORTANCE OF RHYTHMIC PATTERNS (RHYTHM IN DANCE)

assist in setting uniformity

assist in setting order

MIRRORING ACTIVITIES

Mirroring activities are activities in which you imitate (follow) a leader. The main purpose of mirroring is
to make the activities easy to learn

EXAMPLES OF MIRRORING ACTIVITIES

aerobics (majowajowa)

swimming

running

knees up

body stretching

VALUES OF MIRRORING ACTIVITIES

promoting discipline

promoting attention

promoting unity

helping in body coordination

helping in body flexibility

UNIT 3 SELF EXPRESSION

People use various ways to express and communicate feelings and ideas.

WAYS OF EXPRESSING AND COMMUNICATING FEELINGS AND IDEAS

language

gestures

writing

use of artworks

performances

CATEGORIES (FORMS) OF COMMUNICATION AND EXPRESSION

verbal communication

non-verbal communication

Verbal communication is usually through language which is culture specific.

Both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication are learned informally during early childhood.
Some forms of non-verbal communication convey different messages in different societies.

For example, shaking the head in Malawi may show disapproval where as in India shaking the head in
the same way may show approval.

VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL FORMS OF ARTWORK

Verbal communication is communication which uses words

Non-verbal communication is communication which does not use words (communication is through
signs and gestures)

ARTWORKS WHICH CAN BE USED TO EXPRESS AND COMMUNICATE FEELINGS, IDEAS AND CONCEPTS

songs

drama

martial arts

drawings

posters

The spoken words are the verbal part while gestures are non-verbal forms of artworks.

Drawings and posters are purely non-verbal forms of communication.

Songs, drama and martial arts can be used as both verbal and non-verbal forms of artworks.

IMPORTANCE (EFFECTIVENESS) OF USING VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL FORMS OF COMMUNICATING AND

EXPRESSING

Ideas which are difficult to be understood when just said are clarified through gestures, demonstrations
and other activities.

THE ADVANTAGES OF USING ARTWORK

some feelings, ideas and concepts can be well understood

ideas are clarified

some concepts can be communicated effectively

some concepts, ideas and feelings can be communicated efficiently

THE DISADVANTAGES OF USING ARTWORK

some feelings, ideas and concepts are difficult to communicate through artwork

communication by artwork can be misconstrued (misinterpreted)

UNIT 4 IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EVERYDAY LIFE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Everyday life is meaningful to individuals, families and communities if efforts are made to improve its
quality. A bathing shelter and sun tables are some of the provisions

WAYS OF MAKING A PERSON'S LIFE BETTER

eating balanced meals

regular physical exercises

having enough rest

bathing regularly

keeping home surroundings clean

CONSTRUCTING A BATH SHELTER

MATERIALS FOR CONSTRUCTING A BATH SHELTER

9 straight poles 2.5 metres long

3 long bamboos cut into strips

adequate grass

sisal or bark straps for tying

1 hoe

adequate crushed stones

meter rulers

PROCEDURE FOR CONSTRUCTING A BATH SHELTER

measure the position of the bath shelter (2m x 1.5m)

mark out positions for positioning poles

dig holes one foot deep and fit in the poles firmly

fix three rows of bamboos strips using sisal

place grass and work round the frame using remaining bamboo strips and sisal to hold the grass in the
middle

level the inner bathing areas with crushed stones

make a small drain leading away from the bath shelter

CONSTRUCTING A SUN TABLE

MATERIALS FOR CONSTRUCTING A SUN TABLE

4 Y-shaped strong poles 1.5 meters long

sisal strings

20 straight 1 metre long sticks

2 (1.7 metre) long sticks

adequate medium sized stones

PROCEDURE FOR CONSTRUCTING A SUN TABLE

identify a flat area and measure the position of the sun table 1 x 1.5m

measure a 0.75 and 0.5 metre area inside the first area

dig out this space 5cm deep

dig out holes 25cm deep on the four corners of the outer stretch

place Y-shaped poles in the holes. Make sure that the Ys face each other. Fill the holes firmly

place one 1.7 meter stick in the Y-shaped poles facing each other

place the 1 metre sticks over the two bars

tie tightly and place closely to the end

fill the inner hole with stones

SINGING SONGS ON HEALTHY LIVING

It is important to compose songs on healthy living to help improve the quality of life in the community.

THEMES ON HEALTHY LIVING

prevention of diseases

eating balanced food

resting

hygiene

environmental protection

CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

The environment is a resource that enhances many artistic activities such as carving, weaving, plaiting,
modelling and construction of bath shelters.

However, the level of environmental degradation has reached an alarming proportion.

People have cut down trees for charcoal production and curio making without replacing them.

In addition some of these artistic activities have resulted into land degradation, air pollution, and water
pollution.

It is important to conserve the environment.

WAYS OF CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

making flower beds

planting flowers

planting tress

planting lawn

sweeping the surroundings

slashing any tall grass

proper disposing waste (using dustbins and rubbish pits)

using pulp and plastine when modelling instead of using clay

avoiding collecting clay for modelling from the same place

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

land degradation

air pollution

water pollution

IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

improves health of people

adds beauty

protects the environment

UNIT 5 CREATIVITY

Malawi is experiencing various problems related to HIV and AIDS, gender, child labour, child abuse and
environmental degradation.

These problems are commonly known as cross-cutting issues because they affect a cross section of
people in the society.

Various artistic activities such as songs, dances and drama can be used to pass messages on these cross-
cutting issues.

CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

Cross-cutting issues are challenges that affect a cross section of people in the society

EXAMPLES OF CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

HIV and AIDS

gender

democracy

corruption

child labour and abuse

environmental degradation

human rights violations

CAUSES OF CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

lack of knowledge

misappropriation of resources

misuse of natural resources

misuse of human resources

misuse of financial resources

EFFECTS OF CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

environmental degradation

dissatisfaction of one gender

wide-range poverty

illiteracy

violence

lawlessness and disorderliness in the society

COMPOSING SONGS ON CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

Songs are powerful tools for passing on messages on cross-cutting issues because they both entertain
and educate.
DRAMATISING SCENES ON CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

Dramas are powerful tools for passing on messages on cross-cutting issues because they both entertain
and educate.

DRAWING POSTERS ON CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

Posters are also effective in communicating messages on cross-cutting issues because if well drawn and
put at strategic places, they easily catch the eye of people and they can get the message from the
posters.

IMPORTANCE OF POSTERS IN PLACES (SUCH AS HOSPITALS, ALONG THE ROAD, EDUCATIONAL

INSTITUTIONS AND OFFICES)

posters can be a quick way of passing important information.

posters can pass information by using only pictures or drawings

posters can use few words to pass very important messages

posters can pass information to even very busy persons when they are pasted(pinned) at strategic
places

posters can pass information even to uneducated persons

posters are a cheap way of disseminating information

posters grip the attention of people to look at them

UNIT 6 ARTISTIC SKILLS

Various activities that we do in our everyday lives require skills.

Artistic activities like sports, games, making musical instruments, decorating the home, playing musical
instruments and producing artistic items require skills.

VARIOUS SPORTS AND GAMES

football

netball

athletics

hockey

relay race

tennis

boxing

wrestling

TWO TYPES OF SPORTS

Team sports

individual sports
REASONS WHY SPORTS AND GAMES ARE PLAYED

for enjoyment

for fun

for good health

for socialization

for competition

SOME COMMON TEAM SPORTS

football/soccer

netball

basketball

volleyball

handball

hockey

IMPORTANCE OF TEAM SPORTS

encourage cooperation

encourages unity

encourages team spirit

RELEVANCE OF TEAM SPORTS IN SCHOOLS

fosters leadership skills

encourages discipline

reduces school drop out

promotes sense of belonging

SOME COMMON INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

golf

chess

table tennis

swimming

BASIC RULES OF VARIOUS TEAM SPORTS AND GAMES

VOLLEYBALL

The first team to reach 25 points and by at least two points wins the set.

The ball can be hit up to three times per side (in addition to blocking) before it must go over the net. A
fourth hit is not allowed.

If two or more teammates contact the ball simultaneously, it is considered one play. Neither player,
however, may touch the ball again until another teammate touches it.

A volleyball player can serve underhand or over hand, but can't step over the end line until after
contacting the ball. The serve (or any volleyball hit) can graze the net as it goes over the net.

The volleyball serve must first be hit by the opposing team with a bump, or underarm pass, before it can
be hit with a set, block or attacking shot.
A team will rotate one spot in a clockwise manner each time it regains the volleyball serve from the
opposing team.

The volleyball can be played off the net on a serve or during a volley.

A volleyball player can't reach over the net except on a follow-through or to make a block (and only after
the opponent contacts the ball). A player's body can go under the net as long as it doesn't interfere with
the opposing team.

Players can switch positions during a rally.

The ball is in play if it lands on a sideline or end line.

BASKETBALL

Two teams each have up to five players on the court at one time.

Teams score by shooting the basketball through the hoop.

Each team tries to prevent their opponent from scoring by either stealing the ball or blocking an
attempted shot.

The ball is moved down the court by either passing it to a teammate or dribbling it.

The game begins with two opposing players in the center circle, each jumping to tip the basketball that
the referee tosses up. The team that does not gain the tip-off gains the possession arrow and will be
awarded the basketball the next time it is tied up between opposing players. The teams will switch off
with the possession arrow on every jump ball situation or at the beginning of a quarter or half. A jump
ball will only be used again at the start of an overtime period. The possession arrow will be used during
overtime periods.

A dribbler can’t travel by walking or running with the ball more than 1 and half steps

Nobody can enter the foul lane on a free throw until the ball hits the rim.

NETBALL

You cannot travel with the ball.

There are only 7 players on the court from each team at all times unless a player has been sent off by
the referee

You cannot snatch or hit the ball out of a player's hands. This is called contact. You must stand beside
the player until the ball has been left the player's hands.

When defending the ball, you must stand 3 feet away from the person with the ball.

Players cannot hold the ball for more than 3 seconds. This includes throwing it the air, no-one else
touches it and you catch it again.

Players are not allowed to move into the areas that they are not designated to

When the defence in the circle are called up by the referee, they have to stand beside the shooter.

The shooter has the decision of shooting the ball or passing the ball.

When the ball goes out of court, the team who last touched the ball hands the ball over to the opposing
team. They have 3 seconds to stand outside of the court at the line where it went out and pass the ball.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RULES IN SPORTS AND GAMES

observing honesty

maintaining discipline during the entire play time

reducing body injuries to players

avoiding unnecessary conflicts

maintaining integrity

encouraging fair play

WHO OFFICIATES SOME SPORTS AND GAMES

An official is a person who makes sure that all the agreed rules are followed
FOOTBALL

Referee

Assisted by two assistant referees

NETBALL

Umpire

ATHLETICS

Starter

Assisted by field marshal and track judge

BASKETBALL

Referee
IMPROVING THE HOME

Homes play an important role in people's lives because most of our time is spent at home.

Activities that take place should therefore provide a healthy and happy life for an individual and the
entire household.

It is therefore important to acquire basic skills in cleaning, beautifying and practicing economical use of
resources at home to improve lives.

SOME WAYS OF IMPROVING THE HOME

producing chair backs

producing table mats

producing wall hangings

producing paintings

producing drawings or pictures

ITEMS USED FOR IMPROVING THE HOME

chair backs

table mats

wall hangings

paintings

drawings

pictures
LOCAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Musical instruments play an important role in music. They help to make music more pleasant.

TWO MAJOR GROUPS (CLASSES) OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

TUNED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Tuned musical instruments are those which when played produce two or more pitches. This group has
all instruments which are stringed and produce sound by plucking.

Examples are banjo, bangwe, kaligo, and guitar.

UNTUNED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Untuned musical instruments are those which have one fixed pitch.

Examples in this group include drums, hoe blades, mkangala, shakers, nkhwendo, wood blocks and
clapping hands.

These are also called percussion musical instruments.

SIMPLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

shakers
visekese

mkangala

nkhwendo

drums

banjos

acoustic guitars

The simple musical instruments can be made from local materials.

SOPHISTICATED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

electric guitar

accordion

trumpet

saxophone

piano

HOW SOME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARE PLAYED

plucking

beating

blowing

shaking

stroking

clicking

striking

rubbing
SOME MATERIALS FOR MAKING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

animal hide

wood blocks

strings

nails

gallons

tree trunk

stones

animal bones

sticks

reed

bamboos

plastic papers

UNIT 7 MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is passing on of information from one person to another.

Where there is no proper communication, problems may arise due to misunderstandings. Means of
communication are in different forms. These include:

use of instruments

sending of envoys

dressing of some kind

Some of the instruments used for expressing and communicating include:

horns of different animals

drums of different sizes

gongs

bells

For example, in some societies, announcement of beer is made through a gong which is sounded early in
the morning.

The same method is also used in death announcement.

In the past, trumpets were also used to announce victory at war or the coming of enemies into the land.

In some societies, envoys are sent to convey messages of different kinds.

For example, among the Chewa;

When one brings a white chicken to a chief it means accepting an offence committed

When one brings a black chicken to a chief it means one has brought a funeral message
In the Bible when something went wrong, the people could wear a sack cloth and smear ashes on the
body.

In modern times a widow wears black cloth to show that she has lost a husband.

People also wear rings on certain fingers to communicate that they are either engaged or married.

TRADITIONAL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

blowing horns

hitting gongs

wearing certain cloth

beating drums

mouth whistling

clapping hands

writing letters

singing songs

telling stories

MODERN MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

through electronic mail (email)

through telecommunication e.g. telephone and mobile phone

through sirens

through mass media e.g. radio, newspaper, internet

through books

MODERN TECHONOLOGIES OF COMMUNICATION

phones

computers

radios

newspapers

books

WAYS PEOPLE COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER IN DISTANT PLACES

phones

faxes

emails

SMS (short message services)

letters

internet

television

radio

newspapers
CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

Various art forms are used in different cultures to mean different things.

VARIOUS ART FORMS USED IN DIFFERENT CULTURES

colour

patterns

symbols

designs

sounds

For example, in China red colour stands for wedding In Malawi red colour is a sign for danger.

In Malawi and America white colour is for wedding.

Various communities have specific patterns and designs which are used to mean different things. For
example tattoos (mphini) on human faces are for beautification.

A combination of various decorative patterns are used to produce various designs of products such as
hat making.

There are certain sounds, symbols and signs that convey meanings to people.
For example, a cock crowing at night indicates dawn is approaching while the hooting of an own at night
is believed to indicate a bad omen.

Some symbols indicate an identity of a person or an institution.

For example, a cross on an institution may show that it is a church while a crescent may show that it is a
mosque.

Certain colours have a cultural bearing.

For example, a white flag on a roof or tree indicates a wedding in some societies.

MALAWIAN NATIONAL FLAG COLOURS AND THEIR MEANINGS

THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY IN EXPRESSING AND COMMUNICATING

Modern technology has both good effects and bad effects on people's lives.

GOOD EFFECTS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY ON THE PEOPLE

it has improved speed of doing things

people can travel long distances within a short time

Modern technology has made it possible for people learn formal education through online (i.e. using
internet)
It is possible to communicate with a friend who is far away within a short period of time.

it has made it easy and safe to transfer/send money from one person to another

BAD EFFECTS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY ON THE PEOPLE

there is no restriction on what should be viewed on television or the internet

internet is flooded with pornographic materials that can spoil people's minds

interaction between and among people reduces where people glue to the TV screens and talk less

it has brought in cyber crime

television programmes can also influence the youths negatively

it has increased instances of bad experiences of pedophiles

UNIT 8 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Outdoor activities are educational experiences planned by the teacher to enable the learners gain a
complete understanding and appreciation of their environment.

PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND ARTWORKS IN THE COMMUNITY

There are various physical, cultural and artworks done in the community. Some of these artworks are
produced through:

painting

carving
weaving

modelling

Cultural activities in the community may include:

traditional dances

rites of passage ceremonies

Physical activities include:

swimming

nature exploration

mountain climbing

THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND ARTWORKS IN THE COMMUNITY

The various physical, cultural activities and artworks found in the communities are of great significance.

Physical activities

improve the health of members of the community

increase the people's perspective of the world

Cultural activities

give an identity to the communities

fosters interaction among community members

increase sense of belonging

Artifacts or artworks

are a source of income

attract tourists

UNIT 9 INTERPRETATION OF ARTWORKS

Traditional dances, songs and modelled items depicting culture are some of the examples of artworks in
Malawi.

Some of these artworks have cultural significance or messages which require interpretation.

The songs and dances convey different messages, and the modelled items depict culture of the society.
The songs and dances are performed in different situations for different purposes.

OCCASIONS/SITUATIONS WHEN SONGS AND DANCES ARE PERFORMED

wedding ceremonies

initiation ceremonies

installation of chiefs

funeral ceremonies

festivals

community gatherings
political gatherings

PURPOSES FOR PERFORMING SONGS AND DANCES

entertainment

healing

inducing ancestral spirits

competition

advising

rebuking for bad behaviour

FAMILIAR TRADITIONAL DANCES

gulewamkulu

manganje

tchopa

vimbuza

malipenga

beni

likwata

jiri

uyeni

chinamwali
mganda

ART ITEMS SHOWING CULTURAL HERITAGE

People can describe art items found in different areas according to their appearance, shape and
decorations.

Some art items are associated with a specific group of people, for example, previously each group of
people had their own style of modelling and decorating household items.

Culture changes with time, there have also been some changes in the way people make their art items
today.

SOME COMMON ART ITEMS WHICH DEPICT CULTURE

carved items

woven items

plaited items

modelled items

Once the items are produced, the learners must attach value to them and be able to mock sell them.
The reasons for doing this are:

To show to the learners that they can earn a living from the art products

To create a spirit of excellence in the learners

UNIT 10 ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE

Artistic performances are aimed at educating and entertaining the audience.

REASONS FOR DOING ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE

part of exercises

form of competition

educating

entertaining

informing

SOME ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES

drama

dance

music

physical exercises

sports

poetry

Performers usually wear appropriate attire to suit the kind of performance. An attire makes the
performers look attractive and easily identified

DRAMA STORY LINES

Drama is the performance that aims at educating the audience in an entertaining way. Before drama
performance, one has to write story lines and propose actors and actresses.

People who perform in drama are called actors when they are men, and actresses when they are
women.
These actors and actresses are characters in the play.

The story itself is called a plot and it is divided into acts and scenes.

An act is a larger segment of a plot which is sub-divided into scene (smaller segments). Scene is the
smaller segment of a plot.

Story lines may depict different issues.

However, a good story in a play leaves the audience in suspense up to the end and teaches a moral
lesson.

DEVELOPING STORY LINES ON CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

Some cross-cutting issues are:

HIV and AIDS

environmental degradation

pollution

corruption

human rights violation

gender

PRODUCING ATTIRE FOR SPORTS, DANCE AND DRAMA

Performer usually wear appropriate attire to suit the kind of performance.

For example in drama, actors and actresses usually act out different roles. As such they wear attire to
portray the character or role they represent.

Likewise in sporting activities, performers have sportswear that suit the type of sport. In dances, the
dancers usually wear different kinds of attire that go with the dance.

Some attire can simply be bought or improvised.

MATERIALS FOR MAKING ATTIRE FOR DRAMA, SPORTS AND DANCE

cotton fabric

pair of scissors

sewing thread

embroidery thread

old clothes

razor blades

palm leaves

banana leaves

ropes

elastic

pins

paper patterns

REASONS FOR WEARING SPECIAL ATTIRE WHEN DOING PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SPORTS, DANCES AND
DRAMA
To make the performance exciting

To enable performers perform freely

To identify themselves

UNIT 11 DECORATIVE ARTWORKS

There are many things that are done in our life to express feelings and emotions in an artistic way.

for example, although a dance may have specific dancing patterns, you will always see that while some
are following the patterns prescribed (said/told), others still add some gestures or movements to make
their dancing unique, beautiful and attractive.

To achieve this beauty, dancers may use facial expressions or exaggerated movements. All such things
constitute what is known as aesthetics.

AESTHETIC ARTWORKS

In music, there are many things or symbols that are used to make the singing more interesting.

Things such as dynamics assist to create beauty and reduce monotony. Dynamics refers to the loudness
and softness of sound.

Usually there are various symbols that are used in music to show these dynamics.

This symbol is called a crescendo and it means getting louder

This symbol is called a decrescendo and it means getting softer

This symbol is called a fermata and it means holding the sound of the note for sometime

this symbol is called a piano and it means singing softly

pp

this symbol is called a pianissimo and it means singing very softly

mp

this symbol is called a mezzo piano and it means singing moderately soft

mf

this symbol is called a mezzo forte and it means singing moderately loud

this symbol is called a forte and it means singing loudly

ff

this symbol is called a fortissimo and it means singing very loudly

Another important element of music which assists to add the beauty of the song is tempo. A song
sounds beautiful when it changes speed at various intervals.

This also helps to avoid boredom

DECORATIVE PATTERNS

There are different ways of decorating artworks.

WAYS OF DECORATING ARTWORKS

tattooing

engraving

stamping

impressing

polishing

colouring

coiling

incising

staining

blending with iron oxide

burning using a hot metal rod or wire

Appliqueing

The importance of decorating artworks is that the decorated artworks look attractive and sell easily. You
can sew a simple applique on a cloth to make it attractive.

You can use hexagonal woven strips or diagonal woven strips when weaving a mat or carpet to come up
with a desired pattern.

You can decorate a pot or a flower vase by tattooing or engraving, stamping or impressing, polishing and
colouring.
SEWING A SIMPLE APPLIQUE

An applique is ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns are
sewn or stuck onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern

or

Applique is the technique of stitching small pieces of fabric onto a larger piece to create a design.

Appliques can be pre-cut or trimmed in place

You can decorate your jeans using applique, sewing flowers and stars on them.

or

Applique is a sewing technique that involves stitching a small piece of fabric onto a larger one to make a
pattern or design.

or

Applique is an ornamentation, as a cut out, that is sewn on to or otherwise applied to a piece of material
MATERIALS FOR SEWING A SIMPLE APPLIQUE

cloth

sewing needles

sewing thread

pairs of scissors

DECORATING POTS AND VASES

MATERIALS FOR WEAVING AND DECORATING MATS, BROOMS AND CARPETS

palm leaves

banana leaves

knife

dyes

water

sewing needles

thread

bucket

MATERIALS FOR DECORATING POTS AND VASES

clay

pebbles
old spoons

shells

mango seeds

water

old baskets

sisal

brush

bones

wire

a knife

fingers

wood or metal stamps

UNIT 12 HOME MAKING

Home making is certainly an art.

For the home to be comfortable there is need to purchase household items.

Some people try to make their homes comfortable by purchasing very expensive household items.
Others may not have enough money to spend on luxury household items.

What such people do is to make the items for themselves and the surplus is sold.

PRODUCING AND MARKETING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Various household items are made from raw materials found in the locality. These are utensils and
articles for everyday use in the home.
Clay and wood can be used to model and carve items like pots, mortar, wooden spoons, cooking sticks
and pestles.

Some embroidered items like chair backs can also be made.

Clay items should be dried in a shed as direct sunshine causes them to crack.

Wooden items should not be exposed to moisture for fear that they may expand and crack.

CARVING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Household items that can be produced through carving include:

wooden spoons

cooking sticks

mortars

pestles

clubs

wooden clutches

SOME MATERIALS FOR CARVING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

wood blocks

panga knives

sandpaper

an adze axe
glass

stones

MODELLING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

The following are some of the household items that can be produced by modelling:

cooking pot

spoons

a mortar

a bucket

a pestle

plates

Saucers

MATERIALS FOR MODELLING HUSEHOLD ITEMS

clay

grass

wood

stone

leaves
HOME RECREATION

There are a number of items that can be made locally to improve the home. When these materials are
artistically made, they can be sold at the markets

COSTING AND LABELLING ITEMS MADE

Marketing is a skill that requires the ability to price, label, display and advertise. Usually customers
bargain for a better price.

It is important for a seller to exercise customer care through patience and tolerance.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN COSTING PRODUCTS/ITEMS

Amount of materials used

Time spent in making the item/product

Attractiveness of the finished product

Age group meant for the item

Availability of the product

Durability of the product

Quality of the material

Demand

Cost of the materials, if bought

WAYS OF MARKETING VARIOUS ITEMS/PRODUCTS

The following are some of the ways of marketing products that have been drawn, woven, carved,
modelled and so forth:

Advertising
Making a display of finished products

Organizing a showcase

SOME OF THE ITEMS THAT CAN BE MADE IN THE HOME AND SOLD

chair backs

wooden spoons

cooking sticks

brooms

clay pots

flower vases

mortars

pestles

REFERENCES

Standard 6 Teacher’s Guide Standard 6 Learner’s Book

Longhorn, New Horizon, Social Environmental Sciences, Primary School, Atlas, Malawi The internet

SOCIAL STUDIES

CHICHEWA

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LIFE SKILLS