Texture Exploration

Unit: Creative Connections: Art & Tech

Year Level: 2

Duration: 30 minutes

Class Size: 6 students

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Australian Curriculum Links

Learning Area: The Arts – Visual Arts Content Descriptions:

• AC9AVA2C01 – Use visual arts materials, techniques and processes to create artworks.
• AC9AVA2D01 – Experiment and play with visual arts materials and processes.
• AC9AVA2E01 – Explore where, why and how visual arts are made and displayed, by examining artwork surfaces and textures.

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Lesson Overview

In this 30-minute session, students will explore the concept of texture through tactile discovery and discussion. They will feel and identify various materials with differing textures and use these to create a simple textured collage artwork. This hands-on experience encourages sensory perception, vocabulary development related to texture, and creative expression aligned with Year 2 visual arts curriculum requirements.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe different textures using appropriate visual arts language (e.g., rough, smooth, bumpy, soft).
• Experiment with a variety of tactile materials to create visual art compositions.
• Apply collage techniques to create artworks that demonstrate an understanding of texture as a visual and tactile element.
• Reflect on their artwork by discussing the choices they made and how the textures contribute to the artwork’s effect.

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Materials Needed

• Variety of textured materials (e.g., sandpaper, cotton wool, bubble wrap, felt, foil, fabric scraps, leaves, cardboard).
• Cardboard or heavy paper base for collage (A4 size).
• PVA glue or glue sticks.
• Child-safe scissors.
• Paper towels/wipes for cleaning hands.
• Texture descriptive word cards (e.g., smooth, rough, soft, hard, bumpy).
• Visual examples of textured artworks (printed or digital images).

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction to Texture (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion about texture. Ask: “What is texture?” and encourage students to share ideas about how things feel.
• Show visual examples of artworks where texture is an important element (could be simple collaged or painted images showing rough, soft, or bumpy texture).
• Introduce basic descriptive words for texture using the word cards. Encourage students to repeat and use these words.

2. Sensory Texture Exploration (7 minutes)

• Present the students with the box or tray of diverse textured materials.
• Invite students to close their eyes, feel each material, and describe how it feels using texture words introduced.
• Encourage sharing and discussing differences and similarities in textures they feel.
• Integrate questioning: “Does this feel rough or smooth? How would you describe this texture?”

3. Creating a Textured Collage (13 minutes)

• Distribute base paper/cardboard and materials to each student.
• Guide students in arranging and gluing their textured materials onto the base to create a collage. Encourage them to think about contrast and variety of textures they use.
• Circulate to assist with gluing and cutting, encouraging students to creatively combine materials.
• Invite students to name some of the textures they use as they work.

4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Once completed, gather students to share their collages with the group.
• Ask each student to describe at least two textures they used and why they chose them.
• Highlight the diversity of textures and creative approaches.
• Reinforce vocabulary and encourage positive peer feedback.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe students using texture vocabulary correctly during discussion and activity.
• Review the textured collages to confirm use of a variety of tactile materials and thoughtful arrangement.
• Listen to student reflections to gauge understanding of texture as a visual art element.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide extra support or adapted tools to students who may have fine motor difficulties (e.g., pre-cut materials, glue daubers).
• Include a range of materials that cater to sensory preferences and sensitivities (soft vs. rough/textural variety).
• Encourage peer collaboration for sharing materials and ideas.

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Teacher Reflection Prompts

• Were students able to identify and describe a range of textures?
• Did students demonstrate engagement and experimentation with materials?
• How effectively did they use texture in their compositions?
• What adjustments might be made to extend learning or support individual needs in future lessons?

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This lesson plan integrates the AC9AVA2C01 and AC9AVA2D01 curriculum content descriptors by engaging students in sensory and creative artmaking processes, fostering understanding of texture as a visual and tactile element, and encouraging reflective thinking about their artistic choices. The hands-on approach, combined with discussion and reflection, supports the development of foundational skills in visual arts for Year 2 learners in alignment with the Australian Curriculum (v9).