Summary

This lesson is based on the use of shape, namely circles, in pictures. It is based on the work of artists such as Kandinsky and Delaunay, who often explored abstract shapes in their work. The main picture focuses on circles, which the pupils explore and describe in detail. They focus on what is different about the shapes even though they are all circles (the colours, sizes, etc). The pupils then have the opportunity to create their own variety of circles using a colour palette and a selection of tools. Activities are then suggested for some practical work where the pupils make their own exploration of circles.

Suitable for

Year 3

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

The lesson would run the same using a normal screen. Pupils would use the mouse instead of their finger to navigate the screens and to draw their circles. They would have to work in smaller groups due to screen size.

Prior learning required

Shape knowledge - circles

Aims and objectives

Knowledge and understanding:

• to understand how the visual element of shape can be organised and combined for different purposes
• to look at the roles and purposes of artists and craftspeople in different times and cultures, including Welsh examples

Vocabulary - circle, same, different, outline, middle
Artists - Kandinsky, Ann Bridges

Timings

The lesson would start as a whole class session and would take approximately 15-20 minutes to show the class the pictures and discuss the similarities and differences. During the remainder of the lesson pupils would be able to take turns exploring circles using the interactive whiteboard tools on screen 3, allowing about 10 minutes each. The activities suggested would take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Suggestions for group activities

Exploring circles:

1. Using circular objects and crayons
   Pupils would be provided with a variety of round objects of different sizes. They would choose objects to draw around on a large piece of coloured sugar paper. Once happy with their designs on the paper they would explore their circles further using colours (wax crayons or oil pastels).
2. Using freestyle painting
   Pupils would be provided with a colour palette filled with a variety of colours and some paintbrushes - thick and thin types to allow variety of line thickness. They would then explore circles by painting directly onto paper, including a variety of sizes and colours. Pupils would be reminded of the different ways of representing circles - sometimes leaving just an outline, sometimes filling with a block of colour, sometimes filling with a pattern.
3. Using collage materials
   Pupils would be provided with a variety of materials - sticky paper, crepe paper, tissue paper, sugar paper, doilies, etc. They would cut these into circle shapes of various sizes etc to make a "circles collage".

Suggestions for differentiation

Younger pupils could be given more guidance in choosing materials and possibly have a variety of materials already cut into circle shapes if scissors control is an issue.

As an extension, pupils could make a "circles painting" based on a particular colour scheme, by using a limited palette and mixing different shades of a colour themselves. It would be harder to show differences between circles when fewer colours are available.

Further activities

1. Find out about artists who have used circles to make pictures. Look at the work of Wassily Kandinsky. How many pictures can you find that have circles in them? Make a scrapbook.
2. Look at pictures by Welsh artist Ann Bridges. What has she used to make circles in her pictures? As a group, make a button collage using lots of different sizes and colours. Choose a coloured background to display your work. Compare to Kandinsky's picture Squares with Concentric Rings.

National curriculum links

Welsh artist - "Ann Bridges" - "Buttons"
Maths - shape work
ICT - internet research