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Year 6

Artists who create street art

I can explain what street art is, why artists create it, and describe different styles and messages it conveys.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 6

Artists who create street art

I can explain what street art is, why artists create it, and describe different styles and messages it conveys.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Street art is a legitimate art form used to express messages and ideas.
  2. Artists use different techniques (like stencils or murals) to create work quickly and boldly.
  3. Street art is often linked to community, protest, or cultural identity.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 6 art and design lesson on: Artists who create street art, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Paper, pencils, coloured pens, chalk pastels. A3 paper pads or large paper roll. Masking tape. Internet access, digital media device.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Where might you find street art?
Correct answer: In public spaces
Just walls
Just ceilings
Just on the floor
Q2.
Which of the following is a reason why artists might create street art?
To hide their work from the public
To practise handwriting
To sell art in galleries
Correct answer: To express ideas or respond to issues in society
Q3.
Why might street artists tag their work with a quick, stylised signature?
Correct answer: To show who created the artwork and make their name known
To practise handwriting
To cover up someone else’s art
To make the wall look busier
Q4.
Where might you find street art? Select all that apply:
In your house
Correct answer: In the streets
Correct answer: On buildings
On books
Correct answer: In parks
Q5.
A mural is a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a ...
computer or laptop
Correct answer: wall or ceiling
canvas
statue
sketch
Q6.
Why do many street artists use spray paint in their artwork?
Because it is the only paint allowed outdoors
Correct answer: To create fast, smooth designs with bold colours
To paint small details on paper
Because it works better underwater

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
True or false? All graffiti is illegal.
true
Correct answer: false
Q2.
Which of the following is a common material used in street art?
Watercolours
Correct answer: Spray paint
Oil pastels
Pencil
Q3.
What is the name of a large painting made directly on a wall, often showing a scene or message?
Correct Answer: Mural, Murals, A mural
Q4.
What is the purpose of using a stencil in street art?
To make a wall smooth before painting.
To trace letters with a pencil.
Correct answer: To create a design quickly and neatly using a template.
To paint over mistakes.
Q5.
Why do some street artists choose to create their work in public spaces?
To make their art easier to sell.
To practise their painting skills.
Correct answer: To share ideas or messages with the public.
To decorate their own homes.
Q6.
Match the key word to the definition:
Correct Answer:Street art,art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages

art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages

Correct Answer:Mural,a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a wall or ceiling

a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a wall or ceiling

Correct Answer:Graffiti,writing or drawings on walls, often without permission

writing or drawings on walls, often without permission