Plasticine Masterpiece

Year Level

Year 6

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Create a plasticine illustration that reflects our planning.
• Apply plasticine modelling techniques learned in previous lessons.
• Explore artistic expression through hands-on plasticine work.

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Success Criteria

• Students can carefully shape and model plasticine to create detailed illustrations.
• The plasticine artwork demonstrates clear connection to their planned designs.
• Students use various modelling techniques such as blending, layering, and texture application.
• Students engage thoughtfully with the tactile and visual qualities of plasticine as an art material.

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Australian Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: The Arts — Visual Arts
Year Level: Years 5 and 6

Content Descriptions

• AC9AVA6C01: Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to plan and create artworks that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning .
• AC9AVA6E01: Explore ways that visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials are combined to communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning in visual arts .

Achievement Standard Links

• Students create artworks informed by ideas and observations that communicate meaning, using a range of materials and techniques.
• They plan and manage their ways of working, experimenting with ideas and materials to realise their intentions.

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Resources Needed

• Plasticine sets (varied colours) for each student
• Plasticine tools (e.g., sculpting sticks, rollers)
• Student individual artwork plans/sketches from previous lessons
• Projector and screen for PowerPoint presentation and video
• Speakers for video sound
• Whiteboard and markers
• Quiz sheets or digital quiz platform (e.g., Kahoot) for understanding checks
• Mixed media materials for extension (e.g., paper, fabric scraps, yarn, paint)
• Dyslexia-friendly printed handouts summarising key instructions with clear font and spacing

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description
0–10 m	Introduction & Recap	- Briefly recap the plasticine techniques learned previously (blending, layering, shaping) with bright, engaging PowerPoint slides. - WALT and success criteria explained clearly on board and in handout. - Dyslexia-friendly font and colours ensure easy readability.
10–20 m	Video Demonstration	- Show a short, visually engaging video (5-7 minutes) featuring artists creating plasticine models and illustrations. - Encourage students to observe techniques and artistic expressions.
20–50 m	Hands-On Plasticine Artwork Creation	- Students start crafting their artwork based on their plans. - Encourage exploring various techniques: blending colours, texturing surfaces, layering shapes. - Teacher circulates to provide individual support and encourage creativity. - Differentiation: offer simpler projects for students needing support; for advanced students, suggest experimenting with mixed media (e.g., embedding fabric, paint highlights).
50–55 m	Quiz & Reflection	- Conduct a brief quiz focused on plasticine techniques, artistic choices, and planning. - Use interactive quiz format for engagement. - Ask students to reflect on their work progress and challenges.
55–60 m	Clean up & Set up for Next Lesson	- Students carefully store their plasticine artworks. - Teacher outlines plans for next lesson (finalising and presenting plasticine artworks).

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Differentiation

• For Students Needing Support:

  • Simplified project scope with step-by-step modelling guidance.
  • Visual aids and tactile demonstrations during the hands-on activity.
  • Pair with a peer mentor for collaborative support.

• For Advanced Learners:

  • Challenge to incorporate mixed media elements (paper, fabric, paint).
  • Encourage more complex texturing and layering techniques.
  • Option to create a short artist’s statement explaining their choices.

• Dyslexia-Friendly Strategies:

  • Clear, large fonts and high contrast colours on all written materials and slides.
  • Instructions broken into small chunks with visuals.
  • Allow oral explanations and video-based reinforcement.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of students applying plasticine techniques while working.
• Review of plasticine artworks to ensure alignment with planning and creativity.
• Responses in the quiz to assess understanding of artistic techniques and planning concepts.
• Informal verbal reflections from students on their process and learning.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Use PowerPoint slides with vibrant images showing stepwise plasticine techniques for effective scaffolding.
• The video acts as an engaging tool to reinforce visual learning and inspire students.
• Hands-on approach maximises student engagement and creativity; ensure all students have enough materials.
• The quiz is a useful formative check to inform progress and areas needing reinforcement.
• Extensions with mixed media allow advanced learners to deepen their artistry and develop personal style.
• Maintain a flexible classroom environment to accommodate students' diverse ways of working.

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This lesson aligns fully with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for Year 6 Visual Arts, enabling students to develop plasticine modelling skills and express ideas visually, with differentiated strategies and extension opportunities for inclusive, engaging learning .