KS2 Art and Design Curriculum Activities
Hands-On Education: A Unique Approach to Art and Design for Key Stage 2
Hands-On Education: A Unique Approach to Art and Design for Key Stage 2
Welcome to Hands-On Education, where we strive to make learning fun and engaging for primary school teachers and home educators alike. Key Stage 2 is a crucial stage in a child's development as they continue to grow in their creativity and imagination. Hands-On Education's cross-curricular approach provides a comprehensive solution that covers objectives across multiple subjects. With topics spanning Art & Design, Design & Technology (DT), English, Geography, History, Maths, Music, Physical Education (PE) and Science, children are exposed to a wide range of learning opportunities.
Our activities are designed to engage children in hands-on learning, with meaningful outcomes that allow them to apply their newfound knowledge in practical ways. Whether it's painting, drawing, sculpting, colouring or crafting, there are plenty of primary resources available for key stage two children to enjoy.
Hands-On Education’s activities can be used throughout the academic year, allowing for continuous learning and development. Parents and teachers can choose to focus on a particular aspect, such as our ks2 art curriculum topics, as a to supplement their existing curriculum or discover how our topics cover the entire key stage one national curriculum for England.
It's handy to note that if using any of these topics in a different year group or key stage, you will need to consider how to adapt the outcomes, content, delivery methods, resources and differentiation, as well as the relevant national curriculum objectives to ensure the best outcomes. We’re excited for you to discover how the Hands-On Education approach provides a flexible and engaging way for your child or students to work exploring their ideas within the ks2 art curriculum.
Teaching via a range of techniques can also be a great way to enable children to express themselves creatively and gain inspiration from the largely unknown early great artists, craft makers and designers.
When it comes to art and design in key stage 2, the English national curriculum sets out clear guidelines for what children should be learning. The curriculum states that children from seven to eleven years old should be taught to use a diverse range of materials creatively, to develop techniques in drawing, painting and sculpture, and to evaluate and analyse their own work and that of their peers. Simply put, it is important for pupils to work exploring their ideas in art.
One important aspect of a child’s work exploring their ideas within the art curriculum is to focus on developing their knowledge of great artists, architects and designers in history. Through learning about the work of famous artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, William Morris and Isambard Kingdom Brunell, children can develop an appreciation for different styles and techniques, and gain inspiration for their own creative work.
Through reading this article primary school teachers and home educating parents will learn that the art and design curriculum in key stage 2 is designed to help children develop their creativity, critical thinking skills, and their appreciation for the artwork of others. Hands-On Education provide a range of art and design opportunities for children to explore. By encouraging students to engage critically with their own work and that of their peers, teachers and parents can help to foster a love of art craft and design that will stay with children throughout their lives.
In addition to the art curriculum guidelines, teachers can also incorporate different techniques and materials such as 3D printing technology into their art and design lessons. Using digital tools and software, children can explore new ways of creating art and design projects. 3D printing within graphic design is quickly becoming an important skill and tool to help shape tomorrow’s landscape.
The art and design curriculum in key stage 2 can also provide a platform for cross-curricular learning. Teachers can incorporate elements of history, geography, and even science into their lessons, encouraging children to make connections between different subjects and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
It is important to note that an education in art and design is not just about creating beautiful pieces of work, but also about developing important life skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. By providing a rich and varied art curriculum, teachers can help children to develop these skills and prepare them for success in the future.
Below you will discover many of the various ways children can work exploring their ideas in art through activities that are not based in art. From making fossils to creating Roman coins and mixing colours through light, parents and teachers will discover the many varied ways in which art is more than just crayons and paint sets.
It’s time to discuss how to incorporate ks2 art and design into loads of different activities. Let’s start with some year three fossils’ activities, specifically through the use of plaster of Paris. Plaster of Paris is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of art projects, from sculptures to masks to decorative objects. It is a type of gypsum powder that, when mixed with water, hardens into a solid form. If you’ve never heard of plaster of Paris you’re in for a real treat.
To being with plaster of Paris is a powder that gets mixed with water in a ratio of two parts powder to one part water. This mixture gets stirred up until it is smooth and free of lumps. The consistency of the mixture should be similar to that of pancake batter. Pour the mixture into your chosen mould or shape, in our case we will be making fossils. Be sure to tap the mould gently to release any air bubbles. Then, allow the plaster to set for at least 24 hours before removing it from the mould. Once the plaster has set, your object can be painted, decorated, or left as is.
There are many ways to incorporate plaster of Paris into art projects. It can be used to make handprints or footprints, create sculptures, or make decorative objects such as picture frames or plant pots. The possibilities are endless, and with a little bit of creativity, you can turn plaster of Paris into a fun and engaging art activity for your students or children.
Not only does this fossils activity align with the national art curriculum's requirement for children to "produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences," but it also allows for exploration of various art forms and techniques. By taking children on a creative journey through the process of creating their own fossils, they can gain a deeper understanding of the wider world and the history of life on earth.
To begin, gather all the necessary materials such as plaster of Paris, water, plastic cups, and small objects to create impressions in the plaster. Encourage children to use their imaginations and choose objects that they believe would make interesting fossils.
Next, mix the plaster of Paris according to the instructions on the package and pour it into the plastic cups, filling them about halfway. Have children press their chosen objects into the plaster, creating an impression. Allow the plaster to dry completely before removing the object and revealing the cast fossil.
For an added element of fun, consider incorporating a chocolate fossil activity. This involves creating a mould of a small object using clay and then filling it with melted chocolate. Once the chocolate has hardened, the mould is removed to reveal a delicious and educational treat.
By teaching art techniques and understanding in visual arts through the creation of cast fossils (and chocolate fossils), children are able to engage with the subject matter in a hands-on and memorable way. And who knows, they may even discover a newfound passion for palaeontology!
Another fun way to engage children in identifying fossils is to create a measuring activity for dinosaurs. This activity involves creating life-sized cut-outs of dinosaurs and having children measure and compare their sizes. This not only helps them understand the physical characteristics of dinosaurs, but also teaches them how to use measuring tools and units.
Another activity that can be used to teach children about fossils is creating a timeline of Mary Anning's life. This amazing woman was the first recognized female palaeontologist and is a truly fascinating person. Our hands-on activity helps children to understand the history of palaeontology, and teaches them about the perseverance and dedication of early female scientists.
For a fun and engaging fossil art activity, consider having children create a coprolite model using pasta. This activity helps children develop their sculpture skills and allows them to produce creative work while learning about the digestive systems of prehistoric animals.
All of these activities align with the national curriculum of England and can be easily incorporated into any art and design curriculum. By enabling pupils to explore and understand fossils, parents and teachers are providing them with valuable life learning experiences that they can carry with them into adulthood. Let's continue to inspire and engage young minds through fun and informative education!
William Morris was an artist, writer, and textile designer who was a prominent figure in the art craft and design movement in the late 19th century. His works, which included intricate designs for wallpaper, tapestries, and furniture, were known for their beauty and attention to detail. William Morris believed that art should be accessible to everyone, and that it should be produced in a way that was ethical and sustainable.
One of William Morris's most famous quotes was: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." This quote encapsulates his philosophy that art and design should not be separate from everyday life, but should be integrated into it. Morris believed that everyone had the right to enjoy beautiful and well-made objects, and that these objects should be created in a way that was respectful of the environment and of the people who made them.
William Morris's influence can still be seen today in the world of art craft and design. Many contemporary artists and craft makers draw inspiration from his work, and his ideas about sustainability and ethical production have become increasingly relevant in today's world. By learning about William Morris and his approach to art and design, educators and parents can help inspire the next generation of artists and makers to create beautiful, ethical, and sustainable works that will enrich the world around them.
If you are looking for an exciting and creative way to teach your key stage 2 children or students about the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, using art is a great way to inspire them and enable them to understand the ancient world. The national curriculum of England encourages the teaching of history by incorporating art and design. By exploring art from different cultures and times this can be a fantastic way to engage your pupils with new material.
One way to approach this topic is to focus on the materials and techniques used by early artists, craft makers and designers. This can help children understand how people in the past created art and objects, as well as the cultural development that occurred during those times. For example, you could explore the use of natural materials like clay and wood in the Stone Age, or the development of metalworking in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Teaching via a range of techniques can also be a great way to enable children to express themselves creatively and gain inspiration from the largely unknown early great artists, craft makers and designers. You could try teaching techniques like carving, weaving, or pottery-making. Be sure to encourage your children and students to experiment with different materials and styles.
Using art to teach about the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages can be a fun and engaging way to bring history to life for your pupils. Exploring other art alongside the materials, techniques, and cultural development of these times, you can help your students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and the people who came before us.
As primary school teachers and home educators, engaging young minds can be a daunting task. However, incorporating art and design techniques from early humans can be an exciting way to explore historical and cultural development. Let’s now discover several activities that can help children understand the art techniques used by early humans.
By incorporating these activities in the classroom, teachers can help children learn about the art and design techniques used by early artists while also exploring early human history. These activities can be a fun and engaging way to explore historical and cultural development. We hope that these ideas have been helpful for teachers and home educators looking for fun ways to engage children in creative learning.
Are you looking for new ways to introduce your primary school children to the world of art? Why not take a journey back in time and explore the great artists of Roman times? Not only will this provide an opportunity to learn about history, but it will also encourage children to produce creative work inspired by the great artists of the past.
The Romans were known for their love of art and their ability to create lifelike sculptures and paintings. Throughout our Roman activities students will gain an increasing awareness to the Romans through the art they produced. Our unique Art and Design Curriculum Activities will provide your child or student with an opportunity to explore different art techniques and styles used by these ancient great artists. Teachers and parents can also tie in the Roman influence on Britain and how it impacted the art world at that time.
When it comes to producing creative work, encourage your children to explore their ideas by creating their own sculptures and paintings. Provide them with a wide variety of materials to work with, such as clay, paper mâché, coloured pens and paint. Let them create their own masterpieces inspired by the Roman art and artists they have learned about.
Introducing primary school children to the great artists of Roman times is a fun and engaging way to teach them about history and art. By encouraging them to produce their own creative work, you are also helping them develop their artistic skills and express their own ideas in a unique way. The Romans also placed great importance upon music, so exploring Roman times through music may be a great way to explore other subjects beyond the art curriculum.
Art is a fantastic way for pupils to explore their ideas and creativity, and there are so many different types of art to explore! From paper making to mixing colours, landscape art to sculptures, drawing to painting, the possibilities are endless.
Teaching art can be a fun and engaging process, and it's important to encourage your pupils to explore shape and form in their work. One great way to do this is by having them create their own prints. By using different techniques such as stamping or stencilling, pupils can experiment with different shapes and colours to create unique and interesting designs.
Painting is also a great way to explore shape and form. By using different brush strokes and techniques, pupils can create a wide range of effects and textures in their work. It is important to encourage them to experiment with different colours and shapes to create their own unique pieces. Overall, exploring different types of art is a fantastic way for pupils to gain knowledge and develop their creativity. By teaching art in a fun and engaging way, teachers and home educators can help pupils to develop a love for art that will last a lifetime.
Light in art is a fascinating topic that can be explored in many different ways. Whether you are a teacher or a home educator, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities you can use to teach children about this concept. Don’t forget, the Light, Shadows and Reflections topic is completely free for all Hands-On Education users!
One great resource to check out within this topic is the "Light in Art" video from Hands-On Education. This video is designed to be a fun and informative way to teach children about the role of light in art. It covers art aspects like how light affects colour, how artists use light to create mood and atmosphere, and how different types of lighting can be used to create different effects.
Another fun activity you can try is creating your own prints using washable felt tip pens. Start by drawing a design on a piece of paper or card stock using the pens. Then, place a piece of paper on top and use a spoon or brayer to press down and transfer the ink onto the second piece of paper. Experiment with different colours and designs to create unique and colourful prints!
Of course, there are many other art forms that you can explore when it comes to light and colour. Painting is one obvious choice, but you can also try using different types of materials like tissue paper, cellophane, or even coloured plastic wrap to create colourful and unique works of art. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with this exciting free topic!
Our free mixing colours through light art activity is a fun and educational project that can be introduced in different types of art curriculums. This activity is perfect for art craft and design students looking to explore new ways of creating art pieces. The materials required for this activity are simple and easy to find. All you need is food colouring, white paper, a glass jar, and some coloured tissue paper.
To create your own prints, start by filling the glass jar with water and adding a drop of food colouring. Next, place a piece of white paper over the top of the jar, and then cover the paper with small pieces of coloured tissue paper. Make sure the tissue paper is touching the water inside the jar. Leave the jar in a sunny spot for a few hours, and then remove the paper and tissue. You will have created a beautiful print that showcases the different colours and patterns created by the light shining through the tissue paper and water.
This free art activity is a great way to increase awareness of how colours mix through light, and it can be incorporated into teaching plans for primary school students. It also provides an opportunity for students to create high quality art pieces that they can be proud of. So, gather your materials and get creative with this mixing colour through light art activity!
Now, let’s explore the wonderful world of art through the use of shadow puppets and yet another free Hand-On Education activity. Shadow puppets are a form of art craft and design that have been used for centuries in many cultures around the world. They involve creating cut-out figures of various shapes and sizes and then using a light source to cast their shadows onto a surface. This can be a fun and engaging way to introduce pupils to different design art forms and to encourage creativity.
When using shadow puppets in a classroom landscape, it's important to analyse creative works and different art forms to provide inspiration for pupils. This can be done by studying the works of great artists, craft makers and designers, revisiting ideas and techniques, and encouraging pupils to experiment with a range of shapes and designs. By increasing a child’s awareness of different art forms and encouraging pupils to explore their own creativity, teachers and parents can help them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art curriculum.
The process of creating shadow puppets can be a fun and rewarding experience for pupils as they learn to work with different materials and develop new skills. It can also be a great way to encourage teamwork and collaboration, as pupils can work together to bring their ideas to life. So why not try using shadow puppets in your next art lesson and see where your pupils' creativity takes them?
As a primary school teacher or home educator, you know the importance of integrating creative subjects such as art, craft and design into your art classes. Encouraging pupils to engage with high quality art, as well as creating their own works, can help to increase their awareness and knowledge of different art forms.
Teaching art and design is not just about learning how to draw or paint. It is about exploring ideas, being creative and thinking outside the box. Artwork can be a powerful tool for self-expression and can help children to develop their communication skills.
To ensure that pupils are getting the most out of their art education, it is important to provide them with a wide range of materials and techniques to experiment with. This will help to keep them engaged and interested in the subject. Additionally, allowing them to work on their own projects and giving them the freedom to explore their own ideas can help to foster a sense of creativity and ownership over their artwork.
By emphasizing the importance of art education in the national curriculum, we can help to increase awareness and knowledge of different art forms. This will not only benefit pupils in their academic pursuits, but can also help to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts.