Exploring Local Landmarks

Lesson Overview

• Subject: Art and Design
• Year Group: Reception (Foundation Phase)
• Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
• Class Size: 24 students
• Curriculum Area: Expressive Arts – Exploring and Experimenting (Curriculum for Wales)
• Focus: Painting local landmarks from Cardigan or countries Doti the Dragon has visited

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Use paint to represent local landmarks or countries in a creative way
• Explore different colours and brush strokes to express their ideas
• Develop fine motor skills through painting activities
• Share their artwork and discuss their ideas with peers

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Resources Needed

• A3 paper (one per child)
• Paints (various colours)
• Paintbrushes of different sizes
• Water pots
• Sponges for texture
• Printed images of local landmarks and international locations from Doti’s travels (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, Cardigan Castle)
• Aprons or protective clothing
• Drying racks

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Lesson Structure

Introduction – Setting the Scene (10 minutes)

1. Welcome Explanation: Gather students in a circle and introduce the activity, reminding them of Doti the Dragon’s adventures.
2. Visual Prompt: Show printed images of landmarks Doti has visited, asking students to recall what they saw on their walk and which locations they liked best.
3. Grouping: Split the class into two equal groups (12 students per group).
   • Group 1: Works with the Teacher on painting Cardigan’s landmarks.
   • Group 2: Works with the Classroom Assistant painting landmarks from other countries.

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Main Activity – Painting in Groups (40 minutes)

Group 1: Local Landmarks (with Teacher)

• Preparation: Lay out images of Cardigan Castle, River Teifi, Mwldan Theatre, and other notable locations.
• Guidance: Encourage students to select one landmark that stood out to them from their walk.
• Painting:
  • Show how to mix colours to match the landmark's features.
  • Encourage different brushstroke techniques (stippling for texture, sweeping for skies).
  • Use sponges to add details such as brick textures on castles.
• Support: Guide students in discussing their work — "Why did you choose this landmark?"

Group 2: International Landmarks (with Classroom Assistant)

• Preparation: Display images of Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, and other famous landmarks.
• Guidance: Ask students to choose a destination Doti visited and imagine what it would be like to see it in real life.
• Painting:
  • Explore different ways to show tall buildings or curved rooftops.
  • Introduce creative methods using sponge dabbing for clouds or flicking for stars.
  • Encourage children to add personal touches (e.g., a dragon flying past their landmark).
• Support: Ask engaging questions — "What colours remind you of this country?"

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Plenary – Sharing and Celebrating (10 minutes)

1. Gallery Walk: Display completed artworks around the classroom.
2. Student Reflection: Ask each group to discuss what they painted and why.
3. Class Discussion: Talk about similarities and differences in the landmarks.
4. Closing Thought: Link this to storytelling—“What if Doti painted these pictures for his travel scrapbook?”

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Teacher & Assistant Key Roles

Role	Responsibilities
Teacher (Group 1 – Local Landmarks)	Guide colour choices and landmarks, encourage texture techniques, ask reflective questions.
Classroom Assistant (Group 2 – International Landmarks)	Support shape and scale understanding, introduce creativity with brushes and sponges, lead group discussion on different countries.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation: Monitor children’s engagement and ability to mix paint and handle brushes.
• Questioning: Encourage pupils to explain their choices and techniques.
• Final Pieces: Assess creativity, effort, and fine motor skills development.

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Extension Activities

• Writing Connection: Encourage students to write a sentence about their landmark (e.g., "My castle is big and grey.")
• Collaboration: Combine artwork into a class travel display titled Doti’s Journey around the World and Cardigan!

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Teacher Reflection After Lesson

• Did students show engagement and creativity?
• Were the materials appropriate for their skill level?
• What improvements could be made for future creative lessons?

This lesson offers a perfect blend of imagination, exploration, and artistic skill-building—bringing Doti’s travels to life hands-on.