Make a papier-maché paradise island
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make a papier-mâché paradise island
Key learning points
- Papier-mâché is a sculptural technique used to create texture and form.
- Artists build up sculptural surfaces using layers for strength and detail.
- Surface texture helps show natural features like rocks, trees or water.
- Working as a team supports large-scale art making.
Keywords
Papier-mâché - layers of paper and glue or flour used to create sculptures.
Layer - material placed on top of another
Surface texture - the way something feels
Common misconception
The pupils may think that one layer of papier-mâché is enough.
We need multiple layers to make it strong. Artists build layer by layer to shape and secure their sculpture.
Teacher tip
Pupils will need support to mix the papier-mâché paste. The paste can be made ahead of time and stored in airtight containers.
Equipment
Island base, newspaper and papier-mâché paste, old brushes.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Construct means to something.
Q2.Which of these would be best for the base of your island?
Q3.Match the word to what it means:
Q4.Put these steps in the right order for building a paradise island base:
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is papier-mâché made from?
Q2.We need to let each layer dry before adding the next one so .
Q3.Match the material to its use in making a papier-mâché island:
Q4.Put these steps in the correct order for making a papier-mâché island:
To help you plan your 2 art and design lesson on: Make a papier-maché paradise island, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 art and design lesson on: Make a papier-maché paradise island, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 art and design lessons from the Paradise island: drawing and sculpture unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.