I have over 30 years experience in the classroom and as a school leader, and specialize in writing and developing arts based and creative curriculums. Over the years I have run courses throughout the UK, written regularly for the TES and had a number of resource books published. I have set up this shop to share lessons and schemes of work that children enjoy, and teachers enjoy teaching. Hope you find them useful!
I have over 30 years experience in the classroom and as a school leader, and specialize in writing and developing arts based and creative curriculums. Over the years I have run courses throughout the UK, written regularly for the TES and had a number of resource books published. I have set up this shop to share lessons and schemes of work that children enjoy, and teachers enjoy teaching. Hope you find them useful!
This Unit of work on Symbolism in Art is suitable for both KS2 and KS3.
There is a wealth of information and resources laid out in chronological order – simply decide on how long you wish to spend on each aspect of the topic.
During the project we look at:
What are Symbols: We look at what symbols are and how they are used in art. Pupils then analyse Holbein’s ‘The Ambassadors’ and investigate the symbols found within the painting. Many fascinating and intriguing stories are hidden within this painting. Unpick the stories by interpreting the symbols.
Sketching & Drawing: The children are challenged to invent their own symbols for a number of abstract nouns.
Investigating Colour: The children learn that colours can be used as symbols too.
Using colours as symbols is introduced through a matching game, then applied to their own symbols.
Telling Stories with Symbols: Pupils use symbols and colours to illustrate a story from their own life.
Resources: Great PowerPoint packed with dozens of clear, visual information that leads the children through the topic. Print of a set of resources and information sheets for the children – including a small booklet packed with examples of signs and symbols.
Easy to follow PowerPoint art lesson for KS2
Perfect for Years 5 and 6
Lots of images and easy to follow explanations and examples
The lesson covers the following points…
What is Anglo-Saxon Art?
What examples of Anglo-Saxon Art are there?
Where can I find Anglo-Saxon Art?
What are the features of Anglo-Saxon Art?
The children are then challenged to design their own Anglo-Saxon sword handle.
Resource sheets with hand drawn examplesof the key features are provided.
The PowerPoint guides the children and teacher through the design process - step by step - with hand drawn illustrated examples for each slide.
Everything you need for a successful lesson!
A perfect time filler if you want a calm and relaxing afternoon in your class
An independent art activity for children aged 7-16
This lesson is fully resourced for a class of 32
Simply spend 5 minutes going through the introductory PowerPoint
Print out the set of 32 animal zentangle designs and a resource sheet for each child, give them a black felt tip or fine liner, play some relaxing music and you’re away
I have seen this lesson calm the fussiest of classes - the children love it and are totally absorbed for the afternoon
Try one yourself, it’s addictive!
This lesson is best suited for KS2 children.
The lesson is organised into a number of parts and can be taught in one go or split into units.
All information, organisation and examples are included in the PowerPoint slides which guide you through the lesson/s.
The additional resources you need can be downloaded as pdf’s and printed off.
The structure of the lesson is as follows:
Powerpoint slide show introducing surrealism and prominent surrealist artists.
Children select 5 ideas cards - these need printing off and arranging in sets. They are colour coded to make it easier. Children must select one card randomly from each set, keeping them in the correct order. This provides them with a title for their surrealist art work.
Print off a set of Clue Cards for the class – these cards have examples of illustrations and images for some of the more obscure subjects – ensuring no one will get stuck.
Print off a selection of heads – the children then sketch their ideas in and around the head in order to create their piece of art work. Select media that suits you – I have found pencils, fine liners and watercolour paints work well for this activity.
Cut out and mount the finished pieces with their titles for a quirky and humorous display!
Everything you need for a one-off Art & Design lesson based on treasure maps of lost worlds and abandoned civilizations.
A PowerPoint is provided to guide the teacher and children through the lesson.
The children are introduced to the concept, then can watch a custom made video packed with amazing images of lost worlds and abandoned places.
The children are tasked with producing a map of a lost world.
They are introduced to 5 imaginary settings - along with notes and stimulating ideas for each imagined place.
Children can select their favourite setting - printable map backgrounds are provided for each.
The PowerPoint contains a series of beautifully drawn hints and tips for producing a successful map.
28 pages of ideas to promote drawing and doodling - ideal for KS2 and children of all ages and abilities.
Ideal for one-off art lessons and time fillers, or use for Golden Time rewards and free time.
Download and print the PDF pages to make a 28 page sketchbook.
Simply staple them together and they’re good to go.
Each page has a new idea or technique for the children to experiment with.
The tasks don’t require any teacher input - simple instructions and demonstration sketches are found on each page.
I usually print off a book for each child and let them keep them in their desks or drawers, they also work well as part of a homework pack to send home in the holidays.
Everything you need in one place to teach KS2 children about the artist, Miro.
Learn about his painting style and ways of working.
Experiment with new techniques to produce your own version of one of his paintings.
Beautiful, bright and eye-catching images can be produced in an afternoon, or over a series of lessons if you’d prefer.
Everything you need is incorporated into one PowerPoint - includes teachers notes, demonstrations and examples of work.
Simple stage by stage instructions and information guides you through the process.
An easy lesson with great results - perfect for the non-specialist.
What is an ‘outsider?’
What might ‘Outsider Art’ look like?
In this assembly we meet Veijo Ronkkonen
Veijo lived and worked at the same location for his entire life
After his death, people discovered that he had created his own magical and peculiar world
This unique assembly will captivate and enthral children of all ages
Create Your Own 1950’s Designs!
In this unit of work we investigate classic and iconic 1950’s designs and create designs in the same style.
Putting it in context: We look at the post- war years, the effects of rationing and the influence of American pop culture.
Sketching & Drawing: Children are challenged to develop their ideas using a variety of drawing techniques including continuous line drawing.
Developing a Design: Through a series of carefully planned stages, the children develop their sketch work into a 1950’s design for a plate.
Fully Resourced: Unit of work is divided into three main lessons. Each lesson has accompanying PowerPoint slides, printable worksheets and examples.
Suitable for both KS2 and KS3
This PowerPoint introduces children to the work of William Heath Robinson – guiding them through the stages needed in order to draw an illustrated design of their own.
This Art & Design lesson for Key Stage 2 children introduces pupils to the work of William Heath Robinson. Famed for his elaborate and overly complicated machines, Heath Robinson’s contraptions transformed mundane everyday tasks into ridiculous and often hilarious rituals.
Children of all ages love his absurd ideas and intricate drawings – and are always eager to produce designs and ideas of their own. This process can be more complex than first thought, and this step by step PowerPoint presentation is packed with images and original illustrations that guide the children through the various stages needed in order to produce something truly distinctive.
• The resource introduces the artist, and gives some background to Heath Robinson’s work
• The children are invited to study and interpret some of his best known designs
• Children are guided through the design process – initially being shown how to use a series of sketches and annotation to clarify ideas
• Guidance and further visual examples then illustrate how their initial design sketches can be transformed into a finished piece of art work.
• Further ideas and useful tips are provided to get the children started
This comprehensive and unique lesson will inspire and amuse children, giving them the motivation to design and illustrate their own imaginative ideas in the style of William Heath Robinson.
This PowerPoint tells the story of Alexander Selkirk, the ‘real’ Robinson Crusoe! Perfect for assemblies and story times - this fascinating tale charts the real adventures of a sailor left marooned on an uninhabited island for over 4 years.
During the course of the story, the children learn much about the key features and dangers of Selkirk’s island - and how he survived during his time there.
At the end of the lesson/story/assembly - you are invited to challenge the children to create their own map of the island.
A printable template and a series of instructions and illustrated slides will guide the children through the process, providing them with creative ideas and facts to include on their maps.
A fun, creative one-off lesson for children across KS2.
Designed for KS2 but can be used and adapted for KS3
Simple introduction to perspective, focussing on Aerial Perspective.
Lots of simle visual examples and explanations.
Create your own perspective landscape through a series of lessons.
Learn new techniques and processes in each lesson.
Culminating in completing a number of perspective studies.
Lessons are broken down into simple, easy to follow stages - perfect for the specialist and non-specialist alike.
Fully resourced with teachers notes for each stage.
Here are a hand drawn PDF collection of primary classroom resources to include with your History Topics.
Each project is designed to be completed independently in a single lesson with light supervision, using paper, card, glue and colouring materials.
Simply print off the resources on card and the children should be able to navigate through the tasks with the minimum of teacher input.
All activities can be carried out on A4 card, although some work better in the larger size of A3.
Children love doing these tasks - and additional ‘Try one Yourself’ rescources challenge them to create their own designs using the paper engineering skill they have just learned.
Select tasks that re-create famous scenes from history - each one will turn, move, pop up or reveal.
The tasks include: Pop-up Greek Gods
Greek Heroes and Monster Wheels
Pop-up Eruption of Vesuvius
A moving Stephenson’s Rocket
3-D Viking Ship in a Box
Tessellating Egyptian Shapes
3-D Pop-up Benin Mask
Beheading of Mary Queen of Scots!
Simply download the PDF’s and print off a set!
KS2 ART LESSON – Inspired by the classic animation Howl’s Moving Castle!
Children love the film, and will love this lesson.
The PowerPoint is a step-by-step guide to designing and drawing your own incredible moving machines.
Over 50 slides, with hand drawn illustrations introduce the children to new drawing techniques - allowing them to build up a design of their own in small steps.
It is perfect for teachers who lack confidence in teaching art as all the techniques and stages are demonstrated clearly for you. All the teacher need do is dictate the pace of the lesson.
The simple and clear guides allow the children to producing stunning illustrations - each one unique.
This lesson is a real favourite with the children - I adapted it so I could teach it online during lockdown and it worked a treat.
Download the lesson and try something new - I’ve taught variations on this lesson for years and each group of children are inspired by it - the drawing becomes addictive!