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Overview

A 5-week sequential art project where Year 3-4 pupils design and build a detailed, imaginative treehouse using pencils and coloured markers. The project encourages creativity, storytelling, and essential life skills such as teamwork, patience, and problem-solving. Each lesson gradually adds complexity to the treehouse design and story, in line with the National Curriculum objectives for Art and Design, while embedding reflection on life lessons.

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Curriculum Links

National Curriculum for England: Art and Design (Key Stage 2, Years 3-4)

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products (KS2 Art and Design: 3-4)
• Improve mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing and colouring (3-4)
• Develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space
• Use sketchbooks to record observations, review and revisit ideas
• Learn about the work of great artists and designers, and say what they think and feel about their work
• Develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design
• Work collaboratively and reflect on personal and group achievements

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Lesson Structure per Week (105 minutes)

• Warm-up / Recap & Discussion (10 mins)
• Main Activity (70 mins)
• Reflection and Sharing (20 mins)
• Clean-up and Preparation for Next Week (5 mins)

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Week 1: Imagining the Treehouse Base

Learning Objectives

• Experiment with pencil drawing techniques to create initial treehouse sketches (p.19 of curriculum – drawing skills)
• Begin developing creative ideas and personal preferences through choice-based work
• Understand the basics of providing constructive peer feedback
• Introduce the concept of collaboration and patience in creation

Activities

1. Warm-up Drawing Exercise: Pupils practise simple pencil shading and line work by drawing natural tree textures (bark, leaves).
2. Brainstorm & Sketch: Teacher-led discussion on what makes a treehouse fun and safe. Pupils sketch their tree trunk and base using pencils.
3. Choice-Based Design: Students choose styles (tree type, house size, features) to start their own unique treehouse base drawing in their sketchbooks.
4. Pair Discussion: Share sketches with a partner; offer one positive comment and one suggestion.

Reflection

• How did it feel to share ideas and listen to others?
• What did you find challenging? How did patience help you?

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Week 2: Adding Features and Details

Learning Objectives

• Develop precision with coloured markers to add colour and texture
• Introduce pattern and form in design (National Curriculum: use of pattern and shape in artwork)
• Reinforce teamwork by planning treehouse elements in small groups
• Foster problem-solving: how to make treehouses practical and imaginative

Activities

1. Colour Theory Mini-Activity: Explore warm and cool colours and how they affect mood in art.
2. Group Planning: Pupils work in groups of 4 to decide which new features and rooms their treehouse could have (e.g. rope ladders, windows, balconies).
3. Personal Work: Use coloured markers to add chosen features and colour to their base drawing.
4. Problem-Solving Talk: Teacher poses challenges (e.g. how to keep the treehouse stable), and groups brainstorm solutions.

Reflection

• How did working as a team change your design ideas?
• What new skills did you try today?

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Week 3: Storytelling through Design

Learning Objectives

• Explore narrative art by linking visuals with storytelling (NC: experimenting with ideas and meanings)
• Use drawing and colour to express mood and atmosphere
• Extend reflection on life lessons: expressing emotions through art

Activities

1. Story Circle: Teacher reads a short story about adventure in a treehouse to inspire ideas.
2. Character and Story Sketching: Pupils create a character who lives in their treehouse.
3. Add Story Elements: Using pencil and coloured markers, pupils integrate story elements into their drawings (e.g. banners, animals, garden).
4. Storyboard Sharing: Pupils explain their treehouse story with a partner or small group.

Reflection

• How does your drawing tell a story?
• What emotions or feelings does your treehouse show?

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Week 4: Complex Structures and Textures

Learning Objectives

• Improve control over materials through layering and texture work with coloured markers
• Learn about 3D perspective basics (NC: understanding shape and form)
• Deepen teamwork and patience as complexity grows

Activities

1. Texture Exploration: Demonstrate adding textures (wood grain, leaves, fabric) using markers layering techniques.
2. Advanced Treehouse Drawing: Pupils add multiple layers and perspectives to their treehouse, showing different angles or interior views.
3. Peer Advice: In small groups, pupils give and receive advice on improving textures and perspective.

Reflection

• What techniques helped you make your treehouse look more real?
• Describe a time when patience helped you with your drawing today.

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Week 5: Final Touches and Presentation

Learning Objectives

• Apply finishing techniques to artwork with confidence
• Develop communication skills by presenting their work clearly
• Reflect on personal growth and group experience (NC: evaluating their own and others' work)

Activities

1. Finishing Details: Pupils complete their treehouse drawings, adding final details and colours.
2. Preparation for Presentation: Pupils write a short explanation or title for their treehouse and story.
3. Gallery Walk: Display artworks around the room; pupils and teachers engage in a ‘gallery walk,’ discussing and asking questions.
4. Group Discussion: Reflect on what they learned about art, storytelling, and teamwork over the project.

Reflection

• What part of your treehouse are you most proud of and why?
• How have your skills and ideas changed since Week 1?
• How can you use teamwork and patience in other areas of life?

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Assessment Strategies

• Continuous formative assessment through observation of pupil engagement and technique use
• Sketchbook entries assessed for creativity, progression, and reflection
• Peer feedback exercises monitored for constructive communication
• Final presentation evaluated on creativity, story integration, and ability to explain artistic choices

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Resources Needed

• Sketchbooks or plain drawing paper
• Pencils (HB and 2B recommended)
• Coloured markers (varied colours with skin and natural tones)
• Examples of treehouse art and storybooks featuring treehouses
• Whiteboard or flipchart for group discussions
• Display board for final gallery walk

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Encourage pupil autonomy by allowing choice in treehouse features and story elements.
• Emphasise the iterative creative process: drawings will evolve, and changes are positive.
• Use questioning to develop critical thinking and personal expression.
• Promote supportive peer interactions to build confidence and social skills.

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This plan is crafted to inspire creativity and life skills simultaneously while meeting National Curriculum expectations for Years 3-4 in Art and Design. It deliberately scaffolds skills and ideas, making the complex task of design accessible and enjoyable.