New
New
Roots: your connections and community
I can create an artwork to reflect my family roots
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Roots: your connections and community
I can create an artwork to reflect my family roots
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Families are unique and come in all shapes and sizes
- Family extends beyond biology, to those who choose to be a part of each other's lives and offer unconditional love
- Art can represent both individual families and that of wider society
Keywords
Roots - the origin of something
Tradition - customs or beliefs passed on through generations
Sgraffito - a decorative artform made by scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of colour.
Common misconception
Your future identity is completely determined by your family roots.
A common misconception is thinking your family roots completely decide who you are, without any chance to grow or change. In truth, your identity is shaped by both your roots and your own experiences.
When making the sgraffito pieces, it is worth wiping the tool used after every scrape to prevent a build up of oil pastel.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Cartridge or thick paper, oil pastels, tree template (if required), sgraffito tools or cocktail stick, pencil, marker pens, pencil crayons
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the difference between a migrant and a refugee?
What is the difference between a migrant and a refugee?
Migrants always stay in their home country, refugees move around
There is no difference, the words mean the same
Q2.What is a migrant?
What is a migrant?
Someone without a home
Someone forced to leave their country
Q3.What is one major challenge that refugees often experience?
What is one major challenge that refugees often experience?
Deciding which country to visit on holiday.
Choosing which hotel to stay in.
Q4.What is an empathetic artwork?
What is an empathetic artwork?
A painting containing only cool colours.
A sculpture made from recycled materials.
Q5.What is the main difference between empathy and sympathy?
What is the main difference between empathy and sympathy?
Empathy is feeling sorry for someone, sympathy is ignoring them.
Sympathy means you feel exactly what another person feels.
Q6.Why is a bird often used as a symbol for migration in art?
Why is a bird often used as a symbol for migration in art?
Because birds are loud and colourful.
Because birds are easier to draw than people.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Why are family traditions important?
Why are family traditions important?
They are required by law in some communities.
They are just old habits with no meaning and therefore not important.
Q2.What is meant by family roots?
What is meant by family roots?
The trees your family planted
The pets your family has had over time
Q3.How do family roots help with your identity?
How do family roots help with your identity?
They determine your favourite hobbies
They control your future choices completely
Q4.What is a common misconception about family roots and identity?
What is a common misconception about family roots and identity?
Family roots have some influence on your identity.
You can shape your identity through your own personal experiences.
Q5.Why is a tree an appropriate symbol for family?
Why is a tree an appropriate symbol for family?
Because it changes its shape every day.
Because it grows alone without connections,
