Exploring Australian Animals

Lesson Overview

This Year 2 Visual Arts lesson focuses on creating an artwork inspired by Australian animals, aligning with the Australian Curriculum: The Arts – Visual Arts (Year 2). The lesson encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and an appreciation of local wildlife.

Curriculum Links:

• Content Descriptor (ACAVAM107): Use and experiment with different materials to make artworks that express ideas.
• Content Descriptor (ACAVAM108): Create and display artworks to communicate ideas to an audience.

Lesson Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Supporting Staff: 2 staff members
Special Considerations: One student requires adapted tools for fine motor activities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Identify and discuss features of Australian animals.
2. Experiment with different materials and techniques to create textured animal artworks.
3. Display and explain their artwork to peers.

Materials and Preparation

• Pre-printed images of Australian animals (koalas, kangaroos, emus, wombats, platypuses, etc.).
• Thick drawing paper (A4 size).
• Coloured oil pastels and crayons.
• Textured materials (sandpaper, cotton wool, sponge pieces).
• Glue sticks and child-safe scissors.
• Adapted drawing and glue tools for the student with fine motor challenges.
• A designated space for artwork displays.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 mins)

• Gather students in a semi-circle near an artwork display wall.
• Show images of Australian animals and discuss their textures (e.g., fluffy koalas, rough-scaled goannas).
• Ask: “What do you notice about their fur, feathers, or skin?”
• Explain that today they will create a textured animal artwork using different materials.

2. Demonstration & Instructions (5 mins)

• Show a quick example using an outline of a koala.
• Explain how to add textures creatively:
  • Cotton wool for fur.
  • Sandpaper for rough surfaces like a lizard’s skin.
  • Sponges to dab on texture for feathers or water.
• Model how to apply glue and safely handle tools.
• Reinforce that students can mix materials to create unique effects.

3. Art Creation (15 mins)

• Students select an animal to draw on A4 paper.
• Staff assist with cutting and offering textures.
• The student with a physical disability can use adapted tools and receive support when needed.
• Encourage creativity, e.g., mixing sponge dabs with crayon shading for depth.
• Teachers circulate, providing positive feedback and guiding where necessary.

4. Showcase & Reflection (5 mins)

• Students display their artworks on the designated art wall.
• Select a few students to describe their creations, focusing on why they chose their textures.
• Ask: “How did adding texture change how your animal looked?”
• Celebrate everyone’s work and remind them art doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s about expressing ideas!

Differentiation Strategies

• The student with a fine motor challenge will use pre-cut textures or be given extra support as needed.
• Visual cues and step-by-step stations ensure all students are engaged at their own pace.

Assessment Criteria

✔️ Creativity: Use of different textures and materials.
✔️ Effort & Participation: Engaged and trying new techniques.
✔️ Oral Reflection: Can describe choices made in their artwork.

Reflection & Extension

• Next lesson: Introduce Aboriginal dot painting and compare it to today’s textures.
• Display students’ artworks in the school hallway with short descriptions written by them.

This lesson builds artistic confidence and connects Year 2 students with iconic Australian wildlife in a hands-on and interactive way! 🚀 🎨