Overview

A 4-lesson art module for 4th, 5th, and 6th classes, aged 9–12, centred on the theme of Autumn. Students explore natural autumn elements through observation, colour mixing, painting, collage, and creative expression. The lessons align with the Visual Arts Curriculum Framework for Ireland (Junior Cycle Specification) and the Primary School Curriculum strands of Paint and Colour and Looking and Responding. This encourages perceptual skills, aesthetic awareness, creativity, and expressive capabilities.

---

Curriculum Alignment

Strand and Strand Units

• Strand: Paint and Colour
• Strand Units: Painting; Looking and Responding

Related Learning Outcomes (Aims & Objectives):

• Develop confidence and competence in using materials and tools safely and effectively to express ideas (Primary Visual Arts Curriculum).
• Use paint and colour imaginatively and with control to create artworks (SESE Arts Curriculum Strand).
• Observe closely and respond to natural and cultural environments (Visual Arts Curriculum Objectives).
• Recognise and experiment with tonal variations and colour mixing (Primary S.E.S.E. and Arts link).
• Develop creativity, critical thinking and self-expression through art-making and reflection (Visual Arts and Aistear principles).

---

Lesson 1: Autumn Colours & Observation

Duration

60 minutes

Learning Intentions

• Recognise characteristic autumn colours including variations in tone and hue.
• Observe natural objects attentively, noting texture, shape, and colour differences.
• Mix primary colours to achieve secondary tones characteristic of autumn.

Success Criteria

• Students identify primary colours and demonstrate basic paint mixing.
• Students produce simple observational drawings and describe tonal shifts.
• Pupils participate in discussions using appropriate colour vocabulary.

Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
10 mins	Introduction & Sensory Engagement	Brief guided discussion: What colours do we see in Autumn? Use the colour wheel to explore primary/secondary colours. Differentiate: 4th class - focus on naming colours; 5th/6th - explore warm vs cool tones, muted vs vibrant shades.
15 mins	Nature Walk / Table Observation	Use collected natural objects (leaves, pine cones) for close observation. Encourage drawings of shapes and shades. 4th class: Basic sketches; 5th/6th: Detailed contour lines and tonal shading.
20 mins	Colour Mixing Demonstration and Practice	Teacher demo: mixing red, yellow, and blue to produce autumn colours such as burnt orange, ochres, browns. 4th class: Guided simple mixing; 5th/6th: experimenting with blending and tonal subtlety.
15 mins	Sharing & Reflecting	Short group discussion reflecting on mixing successes and observational findings. Use probing questions to enhance vocabulary and visual awareness.

Resources

• Colour wheels
• Natural autumn objects (collected beforehand or brought in)
• Watercolour or poster paints (red, yellow, blue)
• Mixing palettes, brushes, water pots
• Drawing sketchpads or paper

Assessment

Informal teacher observation of engagement and technique during mixing and discussion. Check pupils’ use of vocabulary related to tone and colour.

---

Lesson 2: Painting from Observation

Duration

60 minutes

Learning Intentions

• Apply observational skills to painting natural autumn objects.
• Practice brush control and blending techniques to reflect tonal contrasts.
• Experiment with layering paint to build texture and depth.

Success Criteria

• Paintings display accurate colour mixing for autumn objects.
• Brushwork demonstrates different techniques (stippling, blending).
• Compositions show awareness of light, shadow and form.

Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
10 mins	Review & Technique Warm-up	Recap previous lesson’s mixing; quick brushwork exercises on scrap paper (long strokes, dabbing). 5th/6th encouraged to blend two tones.
40 mins	Observational Painting	Students paint an autumn object from collection or still life set-up. 4th class paint simpler shapes with solid colour areas; 5th/6th classes attempt tonal shading and subtle colour transitions with layered brushstrokes. Teacher circulates offering scaffolded guidance.
10 mins	Peer Sharing & Feedback	Pupils pair up to describe their painting choices and techniques, prompted to give positive feedback.

Resources

• Paints (colours from lesson 1 plus white/black for toning)
• Brushes (various sizes)
• Painting paper or lightweight canvas boards
• Natural objects arranged on tables or easels

Assessment

Review paintings focusing on correct application of autumn colours and brush techniques. Record individual progress notes.

---

Lesson 3: Autumnal Collage Creation

Duration

60 minutes

Learning Intentions

• Use natural materials to explore texture and colour in a two-dimensional composition.
• Develop fine motor skills through cutting, arranging, and sticking.
• Consider balance and design in creating a cohesive artwork.

Success Criteria

• Collages show creative use of natural items combined with paint.
• Students demonstrate safe tool use and organisational skills.
• Compositions reflect a personal interpretation of autumn.

Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
10 mins	Exploration of Texture & Colour	Show examples of natural texture (e.g., rough pine cones, smooth leaves). Pupils handle materials to understand tactile differences.
35 mins	Collage Making	Pupils work individually or pairs to design and create collages using glue, cut paper, and painted backgrounds. 4th class receive composition templates to follow; 5th/6th classes plan and design more complex landscapes or abstract autumn scenes.
15 mins	Gallery Walk & Reflection	Group walk-around to observe finished work, verbally note textures and colours used, ask open questions encouraging descriptive language.

Resources

• Collected natural materials (pine cones, leaves, twigs, bark pieces)
• Paper/card bases
• PVA glue, scissors, paint for collage backgrounds
• Brushes, palettes

Assessment

Observe creativity, effective use of materials, and engagement in designing a balanced collage. Document examples of oral reflection.

---

Lesson 4: Autumn Landscape Painting

Duration

60 minutes

Learning Intentions

• Apply knowledge of colour mixing and tonal variation to create an autumn landscape.
• Use imagination or memory to compose a personal expression of autumn.
• Develop confidence in self-directed art-making.

Success Criteria

• Landscapes show varied tonal layers and autumnal palette application.
• Paintings communicate a clear, personal interpretation of autumn themes.
• Effective brush control and composition skills visible.

Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
10 mins	Inspiration & Planning	Show reference photos of Irish autumn landscapes to inspire ideas. Pupils sketch rough draft layouts. 4th class keep composition simple; 5th/6th explore foreground, middle ground, and background layers.
40 mins	Independent Painting	Pupils create their autumn landscape painting applying mixed colours and tonal variation. Teacher offers individual support and encourages experimentation with blending and brushwork.
10 mins	Class Discussion & Self-Assessment	Reflect on how well they conveyed autumn through their painting. Use sentence starters: “I chose these colours because…”, “I tried to show…”.

Resources

• Paints and brushes
• Landscape format paper or canvas boards
• Reference photos (printed or projected)
• Sketching pencils and erasers

Assessment

Evaluate final artworks on creativity, effective use of autumnal colours/tones, and expression of the theme. Written or verbal self-assessment supported.

---

Teacher Tips to 'Wow' Students and Support Integration

• Invite sensory experience: Encourage pupils to close their eyes and imagine the sounds, smells, and feel of autumn as they choose colours or textures.
• Use technology innovatively: Project time-lapse videos of autumn trees changing colour to inspire mood and atmosphere.
• Cross-curricular links: Integrate subtle links to Geography (season changes), Science (plant life cycles), and English (autumn poems).
• Gallery exhibitions: Host a mini exhibition for parents or other classes showcasing the work, boosting pupils’ pride and communication skills.
• Reflective journals: Ask students to keep quick reflection notes or sketches after each lesson to develop critical thinking and self-awareness.

---

Would you like me to prepare accompanying printable worksheets, detailed step-by-step teacher guides, or reflection prompts for each lesson?