Creative Image Design

Learning Intention

Students will develop an understanding of digital image creation by learning to use paint program tools to create simple images. They will apply design principles inspired by MrSquiggle’s playful and imaginative drawing style, enhancing fine motor skills, creativity, and digital literacy.

Success Criteria

I can confidently use paint program tools such as pencil, brush, fill, shapes, line, and eraser to create digital images.
I can follow step-by-step instructions to recreate simple images inspired by MrSquiggle’s drawing style.
I can demonstrate creativity by adding personal touches to my digital artwork.
I can engage in activities using mini-whiteboards to respond to questions and practice drawing skills.
I can collaborate and share ideas respectfully, following classroom expectations.

Australian Curriculum Alignment (v9)

Technologies - Digital Technologies

ACTDIK023: Use a basic keyboard and mouse/trackpad to create and edit digital solutions.
ACTDIP027: Plan, create and communicate ideas and information independently and with others, applying agreed ethical, social, and technical protocols.
ACTDIP028: Create and organise ideas and information using simple visual programming environments and digital tools.

Technologies - Design and Technologies

ACTDEK034: Investigate how the parts of products, services, and environments meet community needs, including those designed for particular groups.
ACTDEP039: Generate, develop, and communicate design ideas and decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical representations.

General Capabilities

Literacy (interpreting instructions)
ICT Capability (using software tools)
Critical and Creative Thinking

Lesson Duration

60 minutes

Resources

Computers with Paint program installed
Projector and teacher’s computer for demonstration
Printed step-by-step instructions inspired by MrSquiggle style (shapes and squiggle-based drawing)
Mini whiteboards and markers for each student
MrSquiggle drawing activity sheets (adapted for digital & whiteboard use)
Checklist for self-assessment

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country (1 min) Briefly acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and importance of respectful learning.
Set the Scene Introduce the learning intention and success criteria clearly to the class. Explain that students will get creative like MrSquiggle by turning simple shapes and squiggles into digital art using paint tools.
Engage with MrSquiggle Drawing Prompt Show a simple squiggle on the projector and ask students to imagine what it could be—call on students to respond using mini whiteboards by drawing quick sketches or writing words describing their ideas (5 mins). This incorporates interactive formative assessment and builds enthusiasm.

2. Guided Demonstration: Paint Program Tools (15 minutes)

Teacher-led step-by-step live demo using projector to teach:

How to open Paint and overview of tools: pencil, brush, fill colour, shapes, line, eraser, colour palette, and undo function (following “Paint: Step-by-Step Drawing Guide”).
Demonstrate creating basic shapes and filling with colour.
Introduce simple MrSquiggle-inspired images made from combining shapes and squiggles.

Pause frequently for students to try each tool on their own computers and ask questions.

Differentiation Support: Provide printed simple icons of key tools for students needing extra support.

3. Hands-On Activity: Recreate a MrSquiggle-Inspired Image (20 minutes)

Distribute printed step-by-step instructions adapted from MrSquiggle drawing style to guide students to recreate a simple image or shape on Paint using tools demonstrated (e.g., turning squiggles into a house or animal using shapes and lines).
Students follow along individually or in pairs, using the checklist to track their progress.
Encourage students to add creative details beyond the instructions to personalise their images.
Teacher circulates providing individual support, focusing on students needing extra assistance, using simpler steps or providing MrSquiggle activity sheets as an alternative outlet.

4. Mini Whiteboard Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes)

Ask students to reflect on their experience by answering these on mini whiteboards:
What was your favourite tool to use?
What was one challenge you had?
How did you show creativity in your picture?
Collect responses by having students hold up whiteboards, encouraging positive and respectful peer feedback.
Invite a few students to share their digital images on the projector and describe their creative choices.

5. Plenary and Extension Suggestions (5 minutes)

Review key learning points: Using paint tools, combining shapes to create images, creativity inspired by MrSquiggle.
Reiterate the success criteria and self-assessment. Provide praise and encouragement.
Extension Ideas for early finishers or eager learners:
Create own original squiggle-based artworks using paint program tools.
Experiment further with colour fills, lines, and brush sizes.
Share artworks with family or upload to a class shared folder.

Classroom Management and Engagement Tips

Establish clear classroom rules for respectful sharing and use of equipment according to uploaded guidelines.
Use mini whiteboards strategically to keep all students actively engaged and provide ongoing formative assessment without pressure.
Scaffold instructions carefully for students needing additional support using simplified steps or the MrSquiggle sheets as tactile drawing options.
Celebrate all creations to promote confidence and perseverance, echoing MrSquiggle’s philosophy: “There are no mistakes in art — just happy accidents!”

This lesson fosters digital literacy, creative expression, and fine motor coordination aligned to the Australian Curriculum’s focus on Technologies for Year 8 students. It leverages the playful MrSquiggle theme to engage diverse learners while providing scaffolded, hands-on digital drawing experience and ongoing formative feedback through mini whiteboard activities.

Teaching Instructions