Devise a mark-making toolkit
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create mark-making tools using a range of objects.
Key learning points
- Different cultures might use different traditional tools and methods for creating artwork.
- Using tools made from natural or found materials creates unique textures, patterns, and shapes for each artist.
- Samples or testers can be useful to explore mark-making before the artist starts a composition.
Keywords
Mark-making - the lines, dots and scratches created by tools
Tools - any object or material used to help create marks, shapes, or effects in a work of art
Traditional - something that is passed down through generations and is connected to the customs, beliefs, or practices of a particular culture or group
Common misconception
Traditionally, all cultures use paintbrushes to paint.
Remind children that although paintbrushes are a popular artistic tool, they are not traditional for every community or culture.
Teacher tip
For Task B, teachers may wish to use watered down paint rather than ink as it is a more economical option for this experimental stage. When discussing Esther Mahlangu or First Nations Australian artists, emphasise that these traditions are living and evolving, not just historical.
Equipment
access to a wide range of materials and objects, sticks, pegs, elastic bands, plastic packaging, watered down paint
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its definition:
art that does not try to represent something realistically
a strong feeling like happiness, anger, or sadness
a personal interpretation or reaction to an event, image or idea
Q2.What is the focus of abstract art?
Q3.Abstract art uses shapes, and lines to convey feelings.
Q4.Abstract art tries to show things exactly as they look in real life.
Q5.Which of these artists is known for abstract art?
Q6.In abstract art, artists may use to express feelings tied to personal experiences.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its definition:
The lines, dots and scratches created by tools.
Something that is passed down through generations in cultures.
Items not originally intended for art.
Art created without representational forms.
Q2.Which of the following is NOT a reason for testing mark-making tools?
Q3.Artists might create tools from materials found in their surroundings.
Q4.Which of these is a mark-making tool?
Q5.Match the artist to their unique tool.
Chicken feathers
Dotting sticks
Q6.Using unique materials helps to tell a through art.
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Devise a mark-making toolkit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Devise a mark-making toolkit, 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 2 art and design lessons from the Abstract art: drawing, printing and textiles unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.