Haunted Window Art

Lesson Overview

Duration: 50 minutes
Class: Fifth Class (age 10-11)
Class size: 15 students
Subject: Art
Theme: Halloween Week – Creating Haunted Windows using drawing and oil pastels

---

Curriculum Alignment (IE Curriculum Framework)

• Strand: Visual Arts
• Strand Unit: Drawing and Colour
• Learning Outcomes:
  • VA3.1: Create drawings that communicate observations and imaginative ideas using various materials.
  • VA3.2: Use line, shape, form, colour, and tone to create pattern and detail in their artwork.
• Skills Development:
  • Observation and imagination
  • Fine motor control using pencils, markers, and pastels
  • Use of colour to create mood and atmosphere

---

Learning Objectives

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

1. Draw and design an arched window frame including Halloween-themed objects or characters, demonstrating detail and pattern. (VA3.1, VA3.2)
2. Apply oil pastels effectively to add colour and texture that communicates a spooky or haunted atmosphere. (VA3.2)

---

Materials Required

• Pre-printed arched window templates (one per pupil)
• Pencils (HB)
• Permanent black markers
• Oil pastels (variety of colours including dark tones)
• Erasers
• Paper towels/wipes for cleaning hands after oil pastels
• Visual aids/examples of Halloween symbols (ghosts, bats, pumpkins, spider webs, etc.)

---

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Strategies

• Multiple means of representation:
  • Use visual examples of Halloween imagery and haunted windows to inspire pupils.
  • Step-by-step demonstration for drawing window frames and applying oil pastels.
• Multiple means of action and expression:
  • Pupils can choose which Halloween characters or objects they include, promoting creative choice and autonomy.
  • Use both pencils and permanent markers to cater for different comfort levels with materials.
• Multiple means of engagement:
  • Incorporate sensory-rich materials like oil pastels for tactile engagement.
  • Pair pupils for peer sharing and collaboration for encouragement and ideas.
• Accessible instructions:
  • Provide written and oral instructions to support diverse learners.
  • Use seating arrangements to minimise distractions for pupils needing focused space.

---

Lesson Procedure

Time	Activity	Description & Support
0-5 mins	Introduction to Task and Theme	- Briefly discuss Halloween and haunted windows. - Show examples of window frames and themed characters. - Explain the steps for today’s artwork.
5-15 mins	Sketching with Pencil on Template	- Pupils sketch window frame details and Halloween elements. - Teacher models drawing a simple arched window with a pumpkin and spider web. - Encourage pupils to think about shape and pattern.
15-25 mins	Outlining with Permanent Markers	- Pupils trace pencil sketches with permanent marker. - Remind safety and care when using markers. - Use UDL approach to assist pupils who may find markers challenging.
25-40 mins	Colouring with Oil Pastels	- Demonstrate layering techniques with oil pastels. - Pupils add colours to windows to create a haunted effect. - Encourage use of darker tones with highlights for mood.
40-45 mins	Peer Review and Sharing	- Pupils share their work with a partner. - Give positive feedback focusing on detail and colour use. - Discuss feelings the window art evokes.
45-50 mins	Clean-up and Reflection	- Pupils clean their area. - Reflect orally on what they enjoyed or found challenging. - Teacher highlights creativity and technical skills.

---

Questioning

Lower Order Questions

1. What shapes can you use to create the window frame?
2. Can you name some Halloween characters or objects you might include?
3. What colours are you using with the oil pastels?

Higher Order Questions

1. How does the use of dark and light colours help create a spooky atmosphere?
2. What patterns or textures can you add to make your window look more detailed and interesting?
3. If you were to add a story behind your haunted window, what would it be? How would your drawing communicate this story?

---

Assessment

• Formative:
  • Observe each pupil during drawing and colouring for skill progression in line work and oil pastel application.
  • Use questioning during peer sharing to assess comprehension of thematic and technical choices.
• Summative:
  • Completed haunted window artwork assessed against criteria: creativity, use of detail, colour application, and effort.
  • Self-assessment by pupils on what they learned and what they found fun or difficult.

---

Extension Suggestions

• Create a collective classroom display of all haunted windows on a large wall to simulate a spooky window gallery.
• Invite pupils to write a short description or story to accompany their haunted window, linking visual art with literacy.

---

Notes for Teachers

• Engage pupils with storytelling around Halloween to spark imaginative drawing.
• Use oil pastels demonstration to highlight blending techniques suitable for young artists.
• Scaffold those with fine motor challenges by allowing simplified drawing options or stencils.
• Reinforce safe use of permanent markers, and provide alternatives if a pupil prefers coloured pencils for outlining.

---

This detailed, IE Curriculum-aligned lesson plan integrates creativity, technical skill development, and a culturally relevant theme to foster engagement and learning in fifth-class art students.