Body Part Art

Overview

This 30-minute lesson for preschool students is part 4 of 5 in the unit "Body Awareness Journey." It focuses on artistic expression where students will create an artwork representing their understanding of body parts. They will label body parts in English and Māori, building recognition and connection with both languages. This lesson integrates Health, the Arts, and Learning Languages aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education (Te Pae Hauora)

• Purpose: Develop understanding of self and others, health, and well-being in contexts meaningful to children.
• Level: Years 0–3 (Preschool aligns closely with Phase 1: Years 0–3)
• Focus: Recognise and describe body parts and functions; develop an awareness of personal identity.
• Key Competencies: Managing self, Relating to others, Using language, symbols and texts.

Learning Areas Integrated:

• Health and Physical Education: Understanding body parts and self-awareness.
• The Arts: Using creativity and artistic skills to express ideas.
• Learning Languages: Introducing vocabulary in English and Te Reo Māori.

Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum, pages 12-13):

• Managing self: Students set goals to complete their artwork, manage materials safely and independently.
• Relating to others: Sharing materials and ideas, practising respect for peers.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Label body parts accurately in English and Māori.

Achievement Objectives Examples from NZ Curriculum:

• Health and Physical Education: Identify parts of the body and their names (English and Māori) and describe their function and importance.
• The Arts: Express ideas and feelings through a variety of art forms.
• Learning Languages: Use simple vocabulary in Te Reo Māori connected to body and self.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Create an artistic representation of body parts.
• Name and label body parts in English and Māori.
• Demonstrate understanding of the body as part of self-identity.
• Use a variety of art materials creatively and purposefully.

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Resources

• Large paper sheets or body outlines on paper.
• Coloured pencils, crayons, markers.
• Magazine cutouts of body parts (optional).
• Glue sticks, safety scissors.
• Body part labels (English and Māori), e.g., Head / Upoko, Arm / Ringaringa, Leg / Waewae.
• Visual aids/posters of the body with labels.
• Soft music for creative atmosphere.

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Lesson Plan

Time (Minutes)	Activity	Details & Teacher Notes
0-5	Welcome & Introduction	Gather students in a circle; brief recap using a body-part song or chant (English and Māori). Recap previous lessons on body awareness.
5-10	Brainstorm & Discussion	Show a picture/poster of a human body with labelled parts. Discuss body parts together, saying names aloud in both languages.
10-25	Art Activity: Create Body Part Art	Each student receives a paper outline or large sheet. They draw/collage their body, adding labels in English and Māori. Teacher supports language and spelling. Encourage creativity and reminders about safe use of scissors and glue.
25-28	Sharing & Label Checking	Students share their artwork in pairs or small groups, naming body parts they labelled. Teacher confirms correct vocabulary use.
28-30	Wrap Up & Assessment	Quick group discussion: What did you enjoy making? What is your favourite body part? Collect artworks for assessment; note students’ understanding of vocabulary and participation.

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observes students during discussion and art creation to check if they can:
  • Identify body parts.
  • Use correct vocabulary in English and Māori.
  • Engage with materials safely and independently.
• Summative Assessment: Evaluate completed artworks for:
  • Correct labelling of at least 3-5 major body parts in both English and Māori.
  • Effort and creativity in art representation.
• Additional Notes: Support students with learning barriers by providing visual supports, one-on-one assistance, and simplified vocabulary if needed.

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Teaching Tips for Inclusivity

• Use clear, explicit instructions and visual demonstrations.
• Provide vocabulary cards with pictures.
• Allow extra time or alternative materials for fine motor challenges.
• Celebrate all levels of effort to boost confidence.
• Use paired or small group work to encourage peer learning.
• Use body gestures and actions to reinforce vocabulary for non-verbal learners or those with autism.

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Connection to Key Competencies and Values

• Managing Self: Students build independence and focus during their artwork.
• Relating to Others: Sharing in discussion and art supplies builds cooperation.
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts: Applying English and Te Reo Māori vocabulary supports literacy foundation.
• Values: Respect for themselves and others; cultural identity through bilingual labelling.

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This lesson engages preschool learners through hands-on creative activities while reinforcing important health knowledge and bilingual vocabulary, in line with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

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References

• New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, Health and Physical Education.
• Key Competencies Framework, NZ Curriculum pages 12-13.
• Learning Languages & The Arts integration, NZ Curriculum links.
• Teaching guidance on supporting learners with delays and barriers, including use of visual aids and modelling.