Summary

This activity introduces pupils to the use of simple shapes in pictures. Part 1 reminds pupils of the basic shapes and their names. Part 2 allows pupils to explore and discuss an artist's use of shape in a picture and provides ideas for their own work. Part 3 has a collection of simple, on-screen shapes which the pupils can click on and drag to make their picture. When the picture is ready, they can colour it in using the colour palette on the side of the screen, which acts as a fill tool on each shape selected. The picture can then be printed and the page set ready for a new picture.

Suitable for

Year 1

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

The activity can be used on a normal computer screen by using the mouse. Pupils would have to work in smaller groups and would need adult support to discuss the picture in part 2.

Prior learning required

Pupils need to recognise shapes and know shape names.

Aims and objectives

Making - to explore and experiment with the visual language of shape.
Pupils should be able to recognise the ways artists can show shape in their work.
Pupils should be able to create a picture using simple shapes.

Timings

It would take about 15 minutes to introduce the class to the shape names and to discuss the use of shapes in the artist's example. Pupils would then have the opportunity of using the interactive whiteboard individually, or in pairs, to create their own picture, which would take them approximately 5-10 minutes each.

Suggestions for group activities

Pupils can make an individual shape picture, drawing around a variety of 2-D shapes to make people, animals or houses and colour the picture in, using wax crayons or oil pastels. Pupils could work as a group to produce a larger shape picture, eg a life-sized person, either drawing around larger shapes or using the shapes as actual collage material, eg paper plates, paper doilies, kitchen rolls and place mats. These would have to be stuck onto a large piece of card.

Suggestions for differentiation

Younger pupils, who may find drawing around shapes difficult, could print a picture using paints and foam shapes of squares, circles, triangles and rectangles. As an extension activity, working in pairs, one pupil could challenge the other to make a picture of a particular object using the shapes available. Alternatively, one pupil could make a shape picture for the other pupil to guess what it is.

Further activities

Each group could choose a shape, eg circles. Pupils would bring in a selection of shapes from home and make a group collage based on their shape.

Curriculum links

KS1 Art

Making
Pupils should explore shape, eg simple shapes from nature and the made world

Welsh - Look at the work of a Welsh artist to see what shapes they can see in their pictures

Maths - shape names