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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a template to create a textured plaque from playdough.

      Key learning points

      1. Sometimes artists will use templates to make several copies of the same shape or image, or a single, accurate copy.
      2. An artist might make perforations to make cutting or tearing easier.
      3. Artists can go back and make improvements to their plaque by adding to or changing the texture.

      Keywords

      • Template - a shape or outline that you can draw around

      • Perforations - a line of tiny holes that helps you to cut or tear something more easily

      • Plaque - a flat shape with writing or a picture

      • Texture - the feel or appearance of a surface

      Common misconception

      Once an artwork is finished, artists should never change or improve it.

      Remind children that looking at your work and finding ways you could improve it is an important part of being an artist.

      Teacher tip

      To record the work and use at a later date, teachers may want to photograph the pupils' work at the end of the lesson.

      Equipment

      Playdough, clay tools, pencils, old brushes, scissors, pegs, other mark-making tools for indents.

      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 an outline?

      the middle part of a picture
      the colour of a shape
      the background of a picture
      Correct answer: the edge or outside line of a shape

      Q2.
      What does it mean to trace something?

      Colour in the inside of a shape.
      Correct answer: Carefully draw over the lines of a shape.
      Cut out a shape carefully.
      Paint a shape with water.

      Q3.
      Which of these objects could you use to create texture in a playdough plaque?

      a leaf
      a spoon
      a button
      Correct answer: all of the above

      Q4.
      Why do we layer our silhouette onto a background?

      to make it colourful
      to give it detail inside
      Correct answer: so the shape stands out clearly
      to make it feel soft

      Q5.
      Put these steps in the right order to make a playdough plaque with a pattern using a template.

      1 - Roll out the playdough.
      2 - Place the template on top of the playdough.
      3 - Cut around the template shape.
      4 - Press textures into the dough to add detail.

      Q6.
      Put these steps in the right order to make a paper silhouette scene.

      1 - Choose the picture you want to trace.
      2 - Trace the shape.
      3 - Cut out the shape.
      4 - Layer it onto a background.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a template?

      a type of scissors for cutting
      Correct answer: a shape or outline used to help copy or trace something
      a type of glue for sticking
      a decoration made of glitter

      Q2.
      What material did we use to make our plaque in this lesson?

      wood
      cardboard
      Correct answer: playdough
      paint

      Q3.
      Why do we make perforations in the template?

      to make it shiny
      so we can fold it
      Correct answer: to mark out shapes clearly
      to decorate it with glitter

      Q4.
      Which of these is an example of texture?

      Correct answer: a bumpy surface
      a bright red colour
      a loud sound
      a sweet smell

      Q5.
      Think about what you could feel with your fingers or see in your playdough.

      Correct Answer:texture,the feel or appearance of a surface
      Correct Answer:plaque,a flat piece made as decoration or artwork
      Correct Answer:perforations,small holes in a line

      Q6.
      Put the steps in the correct order to make a playdough plaque.

      1 - Roll out the playdough to make a flat slab.
      2 - Place the template on top of the dough.
      3 - Cut carefully around the template to cut out the shape.
      4 - Press into the dough to create texture.

      To help you plan your 2 art and design lesson on: Create a silhouette plaque, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...