Sketchbook idea development: thinking through sketching
I can develop ideas in my sketchbook using drawing, annotation and experimentation.
Sketchbook idea development: thinking through sketching
I can develop ideas in my sketchbook using drawing, annotation and experimentation.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sketchbooks help artists think through drawing and develop multiple versions of an idea.
- Artistic thinking involves trial and error, visual notes and self-reflection, which can be shown through annotation.
- Experimentation leads to stronger, more meaningful final outcomes.
Keywords
Sketchbook - a space where artists explore, experiment and plan their ideas
Development - the process of growing or improving an idea by trying different versions
Experimentation - trying out different styles, materials and compositions to see what works best
Annotation - written notes explaining artistic choices or ideas
Common misconception
Sketchbooks are for finished drawings only.
Sketchbooks are working spaces. They’re for exploring, not perfecting. Artists use them to test, plan and reflect, not to make polished work.
To help you plan your year 6 art and design lesson on: Sketchbook idea development: thinking through sketching, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 art and design lesson on: Sketchbook idea development: thinking through sketching, 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 New Pop Art: sculpture and mixed-media unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Sketchbooks. Pencils, erasers, coloured pencils/felt tips. Glue sticks, scissors, collage magazines/newspapers. Optional: tracing paper, stencils, digital tools for image searches.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is a good place to find a source image for a Pop Art project?
Q2.What is the name for pictures, objects or adverts used to help you create art?
Q3.Which of the following is the best place to research for Pop Art images?
Q4.What is a theme in art?
Q5.Put these actions in order when researching a source image:
Q6.What word means finding out more to help plan your artwork?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do artists look back at their sketchbook pages?
Q2.Which of the following are common features of Pop Art?
Q3.What is annotation in an art sketchbook?
Q4.Match the art term to its definition:
A place to plan and explore art ideas
Notes that explain your thinking or materials
Improving or growing an idea through changes
Trying out different materials or styles