Artists who create street art
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what street art is, why artists create it, and describe different styles and messages it conveys.
Key learning points
- Street art is a legitimate art form used to express messages and ideas.
- Artists use different techniques (like stencils or murals) to create work quickly and boldly.
- Street art is often linked to community, protest, or cultural identity.
- Not all graffiti is illegal or without meaning, some works are powerful visual statements.
Keywords
Street art - art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages
Graffiti - writing or images that have been sprayed, stencilled, painted, scratched or drawn on a public space
Stencil - a template used to apply a design quickly and cleanly, often with spray paint
Mural - a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a wall or ceiling
Public space - an area open and accessible to everyone, such as streets, parks, or buildings
Common misconception
All street art is vandalism and illegal.
While some graffiti is done without permission, many street artists get permission or are commissioned to create their work. Street art can be a respected and impactful form of expression.
Teacher tip
Let pupils share opinions without judgement, as street art can spark deep thinking. Show examples from local contexts where possible to build relevance and connection.
Equipment
Paper, pencils, coloured pens, chalk pastels. A3 paper pads or large paper roll. Masking tape. Internet access, digital media device.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where might you find street art?
Q2.Which of the following is a reason why artists might create street art?
Q3.Why might street artists tag their work with a quick, stylised signature?
Q4.Where might you find street art? Select all that apply:
Q5.A mural is a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a ...
Q6.Why do many street artists use spray paint in their artwork?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? All graffiti is illegal.
Q2.Which of the following is a common material used in street art?
Q3.What is the name of a large painting made directly on a wall, often showing a scene or message?
Q4.What is the purpose of using a stencil in street art?
Q5.Why do some street artists choose to create their work in public spaces?
Q6.Match the key word to the definition:
art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages
a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a wall or ceiling
writing or drawings on walls, often without permission
To help you plan your 6 art and design lesson on: Artists who create street art, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 art and design lesson on: Artists who create street art, 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 Street Art: digital and new media unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.