Colourful Self-Expressions

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ST Name: Kym Fox

ST Number: 40036679

Class Level: 2nd & 3rd Class

Date: 7/5/25

Subject: Visual Arts

Time: 12:40

Duration of Lesson: 60 Minutes

No of Pupils: 27 pupils

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Strand(s)

• Drawing

Strand Unit(s)/Element(s)

• Looking and responding
• Making drawings

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Learning Outcomes / Content Objectives (Aligned to IE Curriculum Framework)

• Exploring Artists and Creative Responses (Visual Arts Curriculum, Strand Unit: Looking and Responding)
  Pupils will look at, discuss and respond to artwork by Frida Kahlo, supporting their understanding of personal expression through art.
• Developing Observation and Drawing Skills (Visual Arts Curriculum, Strand Unit: Making Drawings)
  Pupils will develop their drawing skills by creating their own self-expression inspired by Kahlo’s style using oil pastels and chalk.

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Learning Objectives

1. The child should be enabled to look closely at an artist’s work, talk about their use of colour, symbolism, and personal story, and express their thoughts clearly.
2. The child should be enabled to draw creatively using oil pastels and chalk, experimenting with colour and texture to represent themselves inspired by Frida Kahlo’s vibrant style.

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Assessment

1. Method: Teacher observation and questioning during activities, and review of completed artwork for use of colour, symbolism, and creativity.
2. Assessment of: Pupils’ ability to discuss visual elements, use of materials (oil pastels/chalk), and self-expression in drawing.
3. To be recorded: Notes on participation in discussion, evidence of skill development in drawing, and creativity in use of oil pastels/chalk.

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Teacher Questioning

• Lower order questions (Closed Questions)

  1. What colours do you see in the painting?
  2. Can you name the artist?
  3. What materials will we use today to draw?

• Higher order questions (Open Questions)

  1. Why do you think Frida Kahlo used bright colours in her paintings?
  2. How would you show something important about yourself through your drawing?
  3. What feelings or story do you want your picture to tell?

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Language Development Opportunities

• Introducing new vocabulary related to art (e.g., symbolism, texture, vibrant, expression).
• Encouraging descriptive language during group discussions and feedback.

Literacy Development Opportunities

• Writing simple sentences or keywords about their artwork’s meaning during reflection.
• Developing listening and speaking skills through discussion about Kahlo and peers’ art.

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Teaching Methodologies

• Talk and Discussion (Primary methodology)
• Collaborative/Co-operative Learning
• Active Learning
• Skills Through Content

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Introduction (10 Minutes)

• Stimulus: Show a large, clear image of a selected Frida Kahlo painting (for example, her self-portrait with flowers).
• Elicit Prior Knowledge: Ask pupils if they have heard of Frida Kahlo and what they know about her or self-portraits in general.
• Share Learning Intention:
  • To understand how artists like Frida Kahlo use colour and symbols to tell stories about themselves.
  • To create your own colourful drawing using oil pastels and chalk that shows something important about you.

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Development (40 Minutes)

• Begin with a Look and Talk activity: Explore specific details in Kahlo’s painting together, pointing out colours, symbols, and facial expressions. Encourage pupils to share what they notice and feel. (15 minutes)
• Demonstrate basic oil pastel and chalk techniques – layering colours, blending, and creating textures. (5 minutes)
• Pupils create their own self-expression drawings inspired by the artist. Encourage bold use of colour and personal symbols that show something about themselves (hobbies, family, favourite things). (20 minutes)

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Conclusion (10 Minutes)

• Cognitive: Pupils explain their drawings in small groups or pairs using newly learned vocabulary and concepts.
• Social: Encourage positive compliments and questions from peers to foster confidence and communication skills.
• Transition: Pupils tidy materials collectively, preparing to move on smoothly.

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Pupil(s)	Reason(s)	Method(s)	Additional Comments
Pupils with fine motor challenges	May find handling pastels difficult	Provide thicker pastels or chalk sticks; offer hand-over-hand support if needed	Ensure seating is comfortable
English Language Learners	May need vocabulary support	Use picture cues, gestures, and visual supports	Pair with a buddy for discussion
Pupils with attention difficulties	May require additional focus strategies	Break tasks into manageable steps, use short verbal prompts	Provide quiet workspace if needed

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The Learning Environment

• Spacious desks with easy access to oil pastels, chalk, and paper
• A projector or large printout of Frida Kahlo’s artwork displayed for shared viewing
• Colourful, inspiring posters related to Mexican art and Kahlo’s work for visual stimulation

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Resources

• Large image of Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait
• Oil pastels (variety of colours)
• Chalk pastels
• A3 Drawing paper or cartridge paper
• Aprons or protective clothing
• Paper towels or cloths for cleanup
• Whiteboard for vocabulary and discussion points

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This lesson plan fully aligns with the IE Curriculum's emphasis on visual arts as a means of communication, self-expression, and cultural appreciation. It fosters observational skills, creative drawing techniques, and collaborative learning — core competencies for developing confident artists at 2nd and 3rd class level.