Aboriginal Art Creation

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 1 students to the Australian Aboriginal style of cross-hatching, helping them to explore pattern, texture, and storytelling through art. Students will learn about cultural significance and traditional techniques while practising mark-making and fine motor skills in line with the National Curriculum for England Art and Design objectives.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 1: Art and Design (Year 1)

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products
• Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination
• Develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space
• Learn about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

• Recognise and describe Aboriginal cross-hatching as an art form with cultural meaning.
• Use fine motor skills to create cross-hatching patterns with paint and crayons.
• Create their own simple picture using cross-hatching to add texture and pattern.
• Discuss their artwork and recognise how patterns can express stories or meaning.

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Resources

• Large visual example of Australian Aboriginal cross-hatching art (printed or projected)
• White A4 paper for each pupil
• Pencils and black crayons
• Watercolours or poster paints (earthy colours: ochres, browns, reds, yellows)
• Paintbrushes
• Aprons or protective clothing
• A short child-friendly story or background about Aboriginal culture (prepared by the teacher)
• Wipes and paper towels

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Gather pupils on the carpet and show the Aboriginal cross-hatching art example.
• Explain briefly that Aboriginal people use art to tell stories and that cross-hatching is a special pattern they paint to decorate and show meaning. (Keep language accessible and respectful.)
• Read or tell a simple story about Aboriginal culture linked to nature or animals (e.g., Dreamtime story).
• Show the pattern up close, pointing out the criss-cross lines and the way they fill spaces.

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to draw cross-hatching by making sets of parallel lines in one direction, then crossing over them with lines in a different direction.
• Show how mixing colours and layering cross-hatching creates texture.
• Model sketching a simple animal or natural shape (e.g., a turtle, kangaroo, or leaf) using pencil.
• Outline cross-hatching in black crayon or paint lines over the sketch.

3. Main Activity (20 minutes)

• Pupils draw a simple shape or animal on their paper using pencils.
• Using black crayon, they create cross-hatching to fill the shape. Encourage patterns that are neat and repeated.
• Using paints, pupils fill their drawing with earthy tones, layering cross-hatching patterns with line or brush marks in different directions.
• Walk around to support correct technique and encourage creativity.

4. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite pupils to show their paintings.
• Ask questions like: “What patterns did you use? How does it make your picture feel or look?”
• Highlight different uses of pattern and colour.
• Reinforce the idea that art is a way to tell stories and share ideas.

5. Plenary and Cleanup (5 minutes)

• Recap what cross-hatching is and where it comes from.
• Praise effort and creativity.
• Assist pupils in tidying up paintbrushes, water pots, and wiping tables.

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Observe and note pupil participation during practical work, looking for engagement with cross-hatching technique and understanding of pattern.
• Self and Peer Assessment: During sharing, pupils express what patterns they created and why.
• Evidence of Learning: Finished artworks showing cross-hatching lines, correct use of materials, and neatness appropriate to age.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide pre-drawn simple shapes for pupils who find drawing difficult. Offer hand-over-hand support with crayon and paint brush if needed.
• Challenge: Encourage more complex layering of patterns or use of multiple colours for confident artists.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a class mural using Aboriginal cross-hatching patterns inspired by different dreamtime stories.
• Incorporate rhythm and movement by linking cross-hatching patterns with simple Aboriginal dance steps.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure cultural sensitivity when discussing Aboriginal art; stress it is a living culture with meaning.
• Emphasise respect for different artistic traditions while encouraging creativity.
• Monitor use of materials carefully to avoid wastage and mess.

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This lesson plan pulls together fine motor skills, cultural education, and creative expression, making art purposeful and engaging for Year 1 pupils in line with the National Curriculum for England.