Egyptian God Sketching

Overview

Unit: Egyptian Art Explorations
Lesson: 2 of 4
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 28 students
Focus: Introduction to Egyptian gods and pencil sketching techniques emphasising basic shapes and outlines.
Age group: 8-11 years (Key Stage 2, UK National Curriculum)

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the significance and symbolism of selected Egyptian gods in ancient art. (Art & Design key concepts, History links)
• Identify and analyse the visual characteristics and iconography of Egyptian deities.
• Apply basic pencil sketching techniques to create outlines and shapes representing Egyptian gods.
• Develop their observational and fine motor skills through sketching.
• Demonstrate creativity in interpreting historical imagery through their own pencil drawings.

---

Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum for England: Art & Design (Key Stage 2)

  • Pupils should be taught to develop techniques including drawing.
  • Pupils should be inspired by the work of artists, craftspeople, and designers from different times and cultures.

• History (Key Stage 2)

  • Study of significant aspects of the history of the wider world, including Ancient Egypt.

• PSHE (personal, social and health education)

  • Encouraging respect for different cultures and historical perspectives.

---

Resources Needed

• Visual aids: printed images or digital projector showing Egyptian gods (e.g., Anubis, Isis, Horus, Bastet)
• Pencils (HB, 2B) and erasers
• A4 sketching paper
• Rulers
• Whiteboard and markers for demonstrations
• Worksheet with brief god profiles and step-by-step sketching guide on basic shapes
• Optional: Egyptian sounding background music to set the mood

---

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Teacher Actions	Student Actions
0-5 min	Starter discussion: What do you know about Egyptian gods?	Facilitate brief class discussion; show images	Engage in discussion, sharing prior knowledge
5-10 min	Introduce key gods: Show images; explain symbolism & features	Present visuals; explain distinctive traits	Observe images; ask/answer questions
10-15 min	Demonstration: Sketching basic shapes to build god outlines	Model sketch on board; highlight shape breakdown	Watch carefully, take notes on techniques
15-30 min	Guided sketching: Students select one god from worksheet & sketch	Support students individually; circulate providing feedback	Use worksheets; create pencil sketches using shapes and outlines
30-40 min	Peer sharing: Students pair up to discuss their sketches	Prompt sharing and positive constructive feedback	Show work to peer, discuss choices and challenges
40-45 min	Reflection and tidy up: Recap what was learned; clear space	Lead reflection; tie back to unit theme	Share one thing learned; help tidy materials

---

Teaching Strategies & Differentiation

• Use scaffolding by breaking complex images into simple shapes to aid all learners, particularly EAL and SEND students.
• Visual learners: Benefit from clear image examples and live sketch demonstration.
• Kinesthetic learners: Practice hands-on sketching and modelling shapes with their hands before drawing.
• Challenge more able students to experiment with shading after the initial outline to add depth.
• Provide sentence starters on the worksheet to support verbalising learning during peer sharing.

---

Assessment for Learning

• Formative assessment via observation during sketching (focus on use of shapes and outlines).
• Use of questioning during discussion to check understanding of gods and symbolism.
• Peer feedback session encourages self and group assessment against simple success criteria: accuracy of shape use, clarity of outlines, and creativity.

---

Cross-Curricular Links

• History: Understanding mythology nurtures a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage.
• Literacy: Reading profile sheets enhances vocabulary related to art and history.
• PSHE: Respecting diverse cultural symbols promotes inclusion and global citizenship.

---

Extension Ideas and Homework

• Students create a short presentation or poster about their chosen god including symbolic meanings and sketch photocopy.
• Encourage at home sketch practice with other Egyptian symbols (ankh, scarab beetle).
• Optional digital art challenge: use a painting app to colour over their pencil sketches inspired by traditional Egyptian colour palettes.

---

Teacher Reflection

• Note student engagement levels with historical content vs. drawing task.
• Assess effectiveness of breaking down outlines into shapes.
• Gather feedback from students on peer sharing for future collaborative lessons.

---

This lesson combines historical understanding with skill development, supporting the UK curriculum’s aims for a broad, balanced, and culturally rich Art & Design education. The focus on basic shapes to build complex images underpins future artistic growth, while linking clearly to the exciting ancient world.