Develop understanding of symbolism: collect and draw objects
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can collect and draw meaningful objects that represent symbols in a story.
Key learning points
- Objects can be chosen intentionally to represent personal or story-based symbolism.
- Observational drawing improves when artists focus on shape, detail and proportion.
- Arranging objects thoughtfully supports stronger compositions and storytelling in art.
Keywords
Still life - a drawing or painting of inanimate objects arranged for observation
Observation - looking carefully at objects to notice details for accurate drawing
Narrative - the story or message conveyed through art
Common misconception
Any object can be used as it doesn’t have to mean anything.
Objects can be used to help tell stories and add depth and meaning through what they symbolise.
Teacher tip
Use open-ended questions like “What does this object remind you of?” or “How could this show part of your story?” to encourage thoughtful selection and deeper engagement.
Equipment
A range of small objects (personal or classroom-sourced). Pencils, erasers. Camera or tablet (optional, for documenting object collection).
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a 'sketch'?
Q2.Which of these could be a symbol in a character design?
Q3.Match these steps to what they mean in character design:
Finding out about the character or story
Drawing quick ideas
Using images or shapes that show meaning
Q4.Put these colours in order from calmest to most energetic mood:
Q5.What word means a quick drawing to show an idea?
Q6.What word means the feeling or atmosphere a character shows?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a still life in art?
Q2.What does the word observation mean in drawing?
Q3.What kind of art did Amrita Sher-Gil create?
Q4.Match the word to its meaning:
A picture of objects that don't move such as a vase of flowers
Looking closely at real objects
A story or meaning in an artwork
Q5.Put these steps in the correct order when planning a symbolic still life.
Q6.What word means a group of objects arranged for drawing or painting?
To help you plan your 6 art and design lesson on: Develop understanding of symbolism: collect and draw objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 art and design lesson on: Develop understanding of symbolism: collect and draw objects, 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 Meaning and symbolism in art: drawing and painting unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.