Nature and symbolism
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a ceramic tile embelished with nature-inspired patterns and thematic designs.
Key learning points
- Nature can represent themes such as growth, decay, rebirth, and spirituality.
- Artists can focus on the moods and ideas that nature evokes, rather than just depicting a scene.
- Artists can use natural materials like wood, stone, and clay to create their works.
Keywords
Association - a connection between things that we make in our minds, like when you think of sunshine and holidays together
Symbolism - when an object, or image represents a bigger idea or feeling, it can help us understand deeper meanings in art
Embellish - to decorate or add extra details to something to make it look nicer or more interesting
Slip - liquid clay used like glue to join two pieces of clay together
Common misconception
Only complex images or shapes can create associations.
Simple images or shapes can create associations to themes or ideas.
Teacher tip
The additional materials contains further information on artists.
Equipment
Clay, clay tools, rolling pins, guide sticks, slip, sponge, natural forms, paper, pencils.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When an artist wants to connect their artwork to nature, which of these is the best method?
Q2.Match the natural element with its most suitable association
Q3.What does symbolism in art typically refer to?
Q4.A butterfly in art is commonly used to symbolise:
Q5.Match the natural element with its most suitable association
Q6.When an artist embellishes a sculpture, they might:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of slip in ceramics?
Q2.Artists can focus on the moods and ideas that evokes, rather than just depicting a landscape scene.
Q3.Match the clay techniques with the descriptions
Q4.Do only complex images create strong associations in art?
Q5.What is an example of a simple shape that carries strong associations?
Q6.Match the keyword with its definition:
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: Nature and symbolism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: Nature and symbolism, 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 3 art and design lessons from the The importance of nature in art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.