Overview

This 60-minute session is the second in a six-lesson unit titled Watercolour Wonders: Klee Inspired. Year 1 students will deepen their observational skills, focusing on identifying and using different lines and shapes found in nature. Through guided sketching inspired by Paul Klee’s artistic style, students will experiment with line and shape composition, enhancing their fine motor skills and creativity.

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National Curriculum Links (Art and Design, Key Stage 1)

• Develop a wide range of art and design techniques using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form, and space. (NC PoS 2014, Key Stage 1: Use drawing, painting, and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences, and imagination)
• 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.
• Use drawing to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination. (Art Programme of Study, KS1)
• Promote children’s understanding of line and shape, focusing on observational drawing and experimenting creatively.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Recognise and name different types of lines (straight, curved, zigzag) and shapes (circles, squares, triangles, irregular) observed in natural objects.
• Create simple, bold sketches using various lines and shapes inspired by Paul Klee’s style.
• Experiment with composition by combining different lines and shapes thoughtfully.
• Begin to appreciate the artist Paul Klee’s approach to abstraction and stylisation in art.

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Resources

• Images/slides of Paul Klee’s artwork (simple, bold line and shape-based works suitable for young children)
• Natural objects for observation (leaves, twigs, flowers, stones, shells)
• White A4 paper for sketching
• HB pencils and coloured pencils or crayons
• Clipboards or hard drawing surfaces
• Display board or flipchart to demonstrate and discuss lines and shapes
• Visual vocabulary cards: line types and shapes

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Lesson Structure & Activities

1. Introduction & Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Engage: Briefly recap lesson 1 (basic watercolour skills + simple shapes).
• Show images of Paul Klee’s nature-inspired artworks (e.g., Fish Magic, Ad Parnassum simplified versions).
• Point out how Klee uses lines and shapes rather than realistic images.
• Introduce line types using cards/slides: straight, curved, zigzag, wavy.
• Introduce shape types: circle, square, triangle, and irregular/natural shapes.
• Use visual examples from the natural objects: “Look at this leaf — what shapes and lines can you see?”

National Curriculum link: Develop knowledge of line and shape as artistic elements.

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2. Observational Exploration (10 minutes)

• Pupils work in pairs or small groups to carefully look at natural objects.
• Encourage verbal identification: “Can you find a zigzag line on the twig? Does the shell have circles or curves?”
• Prompt children to trace shapes in the air or on paper with fingers to reinforce recognition.

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3. Guided Sketching Activity (25 minutes)

• Pupils use pencils to create a simple sketch of their chosen natural object.
• Instructions:
  • Use at least three different types of lines.
  • Include at least two different shapes.
  • Encourage bold and confident lines, aligning with Klee’s stylised abstraction rather than realistic drawing.
• Teacher models the process on flipchart: start with big shapes, then add lines and smaller shapes inside.
• Circulate performing formative assessment by asking pupils to explain their choices of lines and shapes.
• Remind to think creatively and add their own imaginative shapes or lines inspired by natural object parts.

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4. Sharing and Reflecting (10 minutes)

• Pupils pair-share their sketches, describing which lines and shapes they used.
• Select 4-5 children to show work to class; highlight use of line and shape.
• Brief group discussion: “How is your sketch like Klee’s art? What did you enjoy about using lines and shapes?”

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5. Plenary & Next Steps (5 minutes)

• Recap key vocabulary: line types and shapes.
• Praise creativity and observation skills.
• Preview: Next lesson will introduce colour using watercolours, applying line and shape sketches as base drawings.

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Assessment

Formative assessment through observation and questioning:

• Can pupils confidently identify and describe different line types and shapes?
• Do sketches demonstrate inclusion of multiple lines and shapes, inspired by observation?
• Are pupils making connections to Paul Klee’s style (stylised, abstract rather than detailed realism)?
• Engagement during discussion and reflection.

Use a simple checklist during observation:

Criteria	Met	Emerging	Next steps
Recognises and names line types			Reinforce visual examples
Recognises and names shapes			Use more real-life objects
Uses varied lines and shapes in sketch			Support in guided drawing
Talks about own work using learnt vocabulary			Scaffold language in sharing

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide pre-drawn shapes and line templates for pupils needing fine motor support.
• Challenge: Encourage pupils to combine lines and shapes in abstract ways beyond the natural object, adding imaginative elements.
• EAL/SEN: Use lots of visual aids and modelling; allow verbal responses or drawing reflections.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Science: Observation skills and nature study reinforce learning about plants and natural forms.
• English: Vocabulary development related to shapes, lines, and art.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Sharing artwork builds confidence and communication.

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Teacher Reflection Notes (Post-Lesson)

• Were pupils able to transfer observation into stylised, abstract sketches?
• Did the Paul Klee visual examples inspire creativity?
• How did children respond to the vocabulary and art techniques?
• Plan any adjustments before lesson 3 (adding watercolour).

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This detailed, curriculum-aligned lesson brings observational drawing and art appreciation to life, inspiring young learners to see and create with the creative eyes of Paul Klee.