Drawing Australian Animals

WALT

• We are learning to draw simple shapes to create animals: whale, fish, snake, ladybird, octopus, and cat.
• We are learning to use basic lines, patterns, and shapes to represent these animals.
• We are learning to express creativity through drawing and colouring.

Success Criteria

• I can identify the key shapes that make up each animal.
• I can use lines and patterns to add details to my drawings.
• I can colour my drawings neatly, showing creativity.
• I can share my drawing with my classmates and talk about what I created.

Curriculum Links

• This lesson aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum Visual Arts for Year 1 students:
• Visual Arts Content Descriptions
• ACAVAM111: Explore ideas and use materials, techniques, and processes to make artworks.
• ACAVAM112: Respond to different artworks and artworks they make themselves.
• Visual Arts Achievement Standard
• Students explore and experiment with ideas, materials, techniques, and processes to create artworks and respond to artworks by describing ideas and subject matter.
• The lesson supports social and emotional learning through sharing and peer discussion.
• Differentiation caters to diverse learners including those with dyslexia by using dyslexia-friendly visual aids and simple verbal instructions.

Lesson Duration

30 minutes

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Materials Needed

• White paper for each student (A4 size)
• Pencils, erasers, coloured pencils, crayons
• Visual aids: large colourful posters demonstrating each animal with step-by-step simple shapes
• Examples of real animals or safe videos/images for inspiration (optional)

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Set the scene: Briefly discuss the six animals: whale, fish, snake, ladybird, octopus, and cat. Show images or toys to engage students' interest.
2. Explain WALT and success criteria in clear, simple language.
3. Demonstrate: Using a blackboard or large paper, demonstrate how to break down a whale and fish into simple shapes (e.g., circles, ovals) and basic lines.
4. Encourage students to verbally identify the shapes they see.

Guided Drawing Activity (15 minutes)

• Break the class into three groups, rotating through pairs of animals for more focused attention.
• Group 1: Whale and Fish
• Group 2: Snake and Ladybird
• Group 3: Octopus and Cat

For each pair:

1. Model step-by-step drawing on a large visual poster:

• Whale: big oval shape, tail as triangles, eye as a small circle.
• Fish: oval body, triangle tail, little fins.
• Snake: long, curvy line with circles for eyes.
• Ladybird: circle body, small semi-circles for wings, dots on wings.
• Octopus: round head shape, eight curved tentacles.
• Cat: oval face, triangle ears, dots for whiskers.

2. After demonstration, students start drawing on their papers using pencils.
3. Teacher walks around providing support and praising efforts.
4. Use simple verbal prompts and point to picture guides for scaffolding.
5. Remind students to take their time and use erasers if needed.

Colouring and Detailing (5 minutes)

• Students add details like patterns (spots for ladybird, stripes for fish) and colour their drawings using crayons or coloured pencils.
• Teacher encourages creativity while praising neat and careful colouring.

Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students form a circle and share their favourite animal drawing with a partner or small group.
• Ask students to describe one thing they like about their drawing.
• Teacher provides positive feedback highlighting effort and creativity.

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Differentiation and Support

• For students needing support: Provide pre-drawn lightly sketched outlines of animals to trace over.
• Dyslexia friendly: Use clear, large visual steps with minimal text. Instructions are given verbally and visually through pictures.
• For advanced learners: Encourage creating a simple background scene for their animals or adding additional features (like waves for the whale or grass for the cat).

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Extension Activities

• Create a class “Australian Animals” mural by combining students’ drawings.
• Use playdough to make 3D versions of their drawn animals, reinforcing shape and form understanding.
• Invite students to compose a simple story or sentence about one of their animals to encourage literacy integration.

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This lesson plan integrates hands-on drawing activities with thoughtful scaffolding and incorporates play-based learning techniques to support Year 1 students’ visual arts development as defined in the Western Australian Curriculum.