Exploring Materials Creatively

Overview

This 30-minute lesson for Year 6 students in New Zealand continues the unit Exploring Marian Symbolism, focusing on introducing students to a variety of accessible art materials. Students will experiment with these materials to understand how they can represent Marian symbols in their final art projects.

Learning Objectives

Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and the context of Religious Education:

• Religious Education Aim: Explore symbols related to Marian symbolism, understanding their meanings and expressing them artistically (linked to Conceptual strands of symbol and meaning in Religious Education).
• The Arts Learning Area (Level 2-3):
  • Develop and apply ideas in their art-making (Developing Ideas).
  • Experiment with a range of materials and processes to express ideas (Developing Practical Knowledge).
• Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum):
  • Thinking: Use creative and critical thinking to explore materials.
  • Managing Self: Plan and manage their own exploration of materials.
  • Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Interpret and represent Marian symbols through visual language and materials.

Curriculum References

• Religious Education: Exploring symbols representing Christian (Catholic) traditions and cultural meanings associated with Marian images.
• The Arts, Level 2–3 Achievement Objectives:
  • Develop imaginative ideas in response to a variety of stimuli and experiences.
  • Select and use materials, processes, and/or techniques appropriate to the task.
• Key Competencies: Thinking, Managing Self, Using Language, Symbols and Texts

---

Lesson Plan Details

Lesson Title

Exploring Materials for Art Creation

Duration

30 minutes

Class Size

Approx. 30 students

Materials Needed

• Paper (various types and textures)
• Colour pencils, markers, and crayons
• Fabric scraps, ribbons, and yarn
• Glue sticks and scissors
• Natural materials (e.g., leaves, petals)
• Modelling clay or playdough
• Collage materials (magazines, coloured paper)

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 min	Introduction and Recap	Briefly review Marian symbols explored so far. Explain today's aim: to try different materials that could represent these symbols in their artwork. Ask students to think about how materials can convey meaning or feeling.
5-15 min	Material Exploration Stations	Set up 5 stations, each with different materials (drawing, fabric, natural materials, clay, collage). Students rotate in small groups, experimenting to create small abstract works inspired by Marian symbols. Encourage freedom and creativity; no pressure on ‘perfect’ art.
15-25 min	Group Discussion and Sharing	Regroup and invite students to share discoveries about the materials. What did they like? Which materials felt best to express the symbols? What challenges did they encounter? Highlight connections to Marian symbolism (e.g., blue fabric for Mary’s mantle).
25-29 min	Planning for Final Art Project	Ask students to select 1–2 materials they want to use in their final Marian symbolism artwork. Briefly sketch or note ideas on paper to prepare for the next lesson’s creation.
29-30 min	Wrap Up and Reflect	Summarise key learning points about materials and symbolism. Encourage students to think about how materials' properties affect the mood and meaning of art. Set expectations for the next lesson, where they will create their final piece.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation of students’ engagement and experimentation with materials.
• Students’ verbal reflections on how materials connect with Marian symbols during group discussion.
• Review of students’ sketches/plans for their final artwork to assess understanding of materials and symbolism.
• Reflect on students’ ability to select materials that represent symbolic meanings, demonstrating emerging critical and creative thinking.

---

Teaching Tips and Considerations

• Create a safe, supportive environment that values experimentation, individuality, and cultural sensitivity to Marian symbolism.
• Use clear, accessible language and visuals to support understanding.
• Support students with additional guidance as needed (especially with cutting, gluing, and clay modelling).
• Encourage students to see mistakes as part of the creative process.
• Nurture connections to Aotearoa New Zealand contexts by acknowledging local symbol interpretations and Māori perspectives on spirituality and symbolism if relevant to your school context.

---

This lesson plan offers a hands-on, creative approach consistent with the essence of the New Zealand Curriculum, integrating Religious Education with The Arts and key competencies to foster holistic student development .