Exploring Leonardo

Lesson Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 2 students, focusing on the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. Through this lesson, students will explore Leonardo's contributions to art and design, as well as experiment with their creative skills inspired by his work. This lesson aligns with the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum for Art and Design in the UK, encouraging students to explore differing techniques and to develop their understanding of great artists in history.

Learning Objectives

• To introduce students to Leonardo da Vinci and his significance in art history.
• To develop students' observational skills by examining one of Leonardo's artworks.
• To encourage creativity and self-expression by creating art inspired by Leonardo's techniques.
• To enhance understanding of basic art techniques such as sketching and shading.

Materials Needed

• Image of the "Mona Lisa" (printed copies or displayed digitally)
• Drawing paper
• Graphite pencils of varying softness
• Coloured pencils
• Erasers
• Whiteboard and markers
• A book or a short video clip about Leonardo da Vinci's life (age-appropriate)

Curriculum Links

Area: Art and Design
Level: Key Stage 1
Focus: The lives of significant individuals in the past and understanding of art and design techniques.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Set the Scene: Gather students around the whiteboard.

   • Briefly introduce Leonardo da Vinci as a famous artist and inventor from Italy.
   • Show a short clip or read a book excerpt about Leonardo's life to captivate their interest.
   • Highlight interesting facts: Leonardo's curiosity, his inventions, and his famous works.

2. Discussion: Display the image of the "Mona Lisa".

   • Ask students what they see and feel when looking at the painting.
   • Discuss the ideas of emotion and mystery in art.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Observation Exercise (10 minutes):

   • Hand out printed copies of the "Mona Lisa" or display it on the board.
   • Encourage students to closely observe the details: her smile, her eyes, the background.
   • Ask them to identify shapes, lines, and the use of shadow.

2. Creative Task (15 minutes):

   • Provide drawing paper and pencils.
   • Instruct students to create their own portrait inspired by the "Mona Lisa". They can choose to draw a family member, a friend, or even invent their own character.
   • Encourage them to use shading techniques to add depth, as Leonardo did, focusing on light and shadow.
   • Walk around the room providing positive feedback and assistance.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Sharing Time: Invite a few students to share their artwork with the class.

   • Ask them to describe their portrait and any feelings or stories behind it.
   • Encourage peer feedback – what do others like about the portraits?

2. Reflection: Gather students for a quick review.

   • Discuss what they learned about Leonardo da Vinci and what they enjoyed about the activity.
   • Reinforce the importance of observation and creativity in art.

Extension Activities (Optional)

• Gallery Walk: Create a classroom gallery with students' artworks and invite other classes or parents to view.
• Invention Challenge: Encourage students to think like Leonardo and draw a simple invention of their own.

Assessment

• Observe students' engagement during discussions and activities.
• Evaluate their portraits on creativity, effort, and application of basic art techniques.
• Encourage self-assessment by discussing what they did well and what they could improve upon next time.

This lesson plan encourages students to think critically and creatively, immersing them in the fascinating world of Leonardo da Vinci while fostering their own artistic expression.