Exploring social messages in street art
I can create my own digital street art that communicates a social message using symbolism, colour, and digital media tools.
Exploring social messages in street art
I can create my own digital street art that communicates a social message using symbolism, colour, and digital media tools.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Street art is a form of visual communication used to convey social messages and political opinions.
- Digital tools enable the creation of street art that can reach a global audience and convey powerful social messages.
- Symbols and colours play a significant role in communicating ideas in street art.
- Street art's evolution from graffiti to digital art reflects broader cultural shifts and technological advancements.
Keywords
Street art - art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages
Social message - a statement or theme expressed through art that addresses societal issues such as human rights, climate change, equality, or political movements
Digital media - tools and platforms that allow for the creation, sharing, and manipulation of artwork using digital technology
Symbolism - the use of images, colours, or objects to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning
Common misconception
Street art is just graffiti and vandalism, not real art.
While some street art is made without permission, many street artists communicate meaningful social or political messages. Street art is a legitimate and powerful art form that challenges societal norms and promotes dialogue.
To help you plan your year 6 art and design lesson on: Exploring social messages in street art, 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: Exploring social messages in 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.
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
In digital media, different elements are stacked on top of each other.
Writing or images sprayed, stencilled or drawn on a public space.
A gradual transition from one colour to another.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages
a statement or theme in art that addresses societal issues
the use of images, colours, or objects to represent ideas or concepts