New
New
Plan a story artwork including character and objects
I can plan a story artwork that uses my character and objects to convey meaning through symbolism.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 6
Plan a story artwork including character and objects
I can plan a story artwork that uses my character and objects to convey meaning through symbolism.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists use symbolism to convey meaning in their work.
- Symbolism can be shown through characters and objects that have hidden meanings or represent ideas.
- Careful planning helps tell a clear story through art.
- Composition helps to arrange elements in an artwork to make them clear and stand out.
Keywords
Character - a person or figure in a story or artwork
Symbolism - the use of symbols to communicate ideas, emotions, or stories in art
Composition - the arrangement of visual elements in an artwork
Common misconception
Objects in art are just for decoration.
Objects often have meanings. For example, a crown might mean power. When planning, think carefully about what each object could represent in your story artwork.
Encourage pupils to talk about what their objects mean before they draw. Ask questions like: 'What does this object tell us about your character?' to help them think carefully about symbolism.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pencils, erasers. Coloured pencils, pens, felt tips.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Njideka Akunyili Crosby uses mixed-media to show what in her artwork?
Njideka Akunyili Crosby uses mixed-media to show what in her artwork?
Imaginary creatures
Only landscapes
Sports events
Q2.What is a narrative in art?
What is a narrative in art?
A shape or colour
A way of cleaning paintbrushes
A list of materials
Q3.Why might an artist draw objects from a story?
Why might an artist draw objects from a story?
To practise shading
To decorate the page
To fill space
Q4.What do the objects in Van Gogh’s painting ‘Still Life with Drawing Board, Pipe, Onions and Sealing-Wax’ represent?
What do the objects in Van Gogh’s painting ‘Still Life with Drawing Board, Pipe, Onions and Sealing-Wax’ represent?
Random objects he found on the street
Cookery items
Items he wanted to sell
Q5.Match the art skill to its description:
Match the art skill to its description:
Q6.Put these drawing techniques in order from first to last:
Put these drawing techniques in order from first to last:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a character in an artwork?
What is a character in an artwork?
The story behind the art
The background scene
The colour used
Q2.What does composition mean in an artwork?
What does composition mean in an artwork?
The type of paper used
The size of the brushes
The number of colours used
Q3.Match each object to its possible symbolic meaning:
Match each object to its possible symbolic meaning:
Q4.Match these words to their meanings:
Match these words to their meanings:
Q5.Put these steps in the right order when planning a story artwork:
Put these steps in the right order when planning a story artwork:
Q6.What word means the story told by your artwork?
What word means the story told by your artwork?
