Finishing Touches and Presentation

Overview

This 90-minute lesson concludes the Year 2 "Carnival Mask Creations" unit. Students will decorate their masks with paint, embellishments, and other craft materials, then prepare and deliver a short presentation explaining their work. The session finishes with a celebratory mini carnival showcase to share their achievements.

National Curriculum Alignment

Key Stage 1 Art and Design Programme of Study

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
  • Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination.
  • Develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
  • Talk about the ideas and processes which have led them to make their artwork, and recognise different kinds of art, craft and design.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

• Add detailed finishing touches to their carnival masks using paint, collage, and embellishment techniques.
• Explore and apply knowledge of colour, texture, and pattern to enhance their designs.
• Explain their creative choices, inspirations and techniques clearly to an audience.
• Demonstrate confidence in presenting their artwork within a group context.
• Collaboratively participate in a celebratory showcase, valuing peer work and creativity.

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Equipment/Materials Needed

• Partially completed carnival masks (from previous lessons)
• Acrylic and poster paints in vibrant colours
• Paintbrushes, sponges, palette trays
• Sequins, glitter, feathers, beads, fabric scraps, coloured paper
• PVA glue, glue sticks, tape
• Safety scissors
• Paper towels, aprons
• Display boards or area for mini carnival showcase
• Sticky labels or cards for mask names/titles
• Camera or tablet for recording presentations (optional)

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Lesson Activities

1. Starter Activity: Reflect & Share (10 minutes)

• Pupils sit in a circle with their masks. The teacher asks:
  • "What colours and textures have you used so far in your masks?"
  • "How do these choices show something about carnival or your inspiration?"
• Pupils briefly share their thoughts with a partner, promoting oracy skills linked to vocabulary found in Art (e.g., pattern, texture, embellishment).

2. Adding Finishing Touches (40 minutes)

• Pupils use paints, sequins, feathers, fabric, and other materials to add detail and decoration to their carnival masks.
• Teacher circulates, prompting pupils to consider:
  • How colour can create mood or meaning in their mask (bright colours to celebrate carnival vibrancy).
  • How pattern and texture draw attention and make their mask unique.
  • Techniques for layering materials safely and effectively (using PVA glue, careful cutting).
• Encourage experimentation and individual creative expression while supporting fine motor control and coordination.

3. Preparation for Presentation (15 minutes)

• Teacher models a simple presentation structure:
  • Name of mask and what inspired it.
  • Materials and techniques used to decorate.
  • What they enjoyed most about making it.
• Pupils use a short template or sentence starters on mini whiteboards or paper:
  • "My mask is called ___ because ___."
  • "I used ___ and ___ to decorate it."
  • "I enjoyed ___ the most."
• Pupils rehearse their presentations in pairs or small groups for confidence building.

4. Carnival Mask Showcase and Presentations (20 minutes)

• Create a mini carnival atmosphere with music or simple decorations in the classroom or hall.
• Pupils take turns presenting their masks to the group with clear voice and eye contact.
• Display masks on boards or around the room, labelled with each pupil’s name and mask title.
• Encourage positive and specific peer feedback using sentence stems like: "I like how you used ___ because ___."

5. Plenary and Self-Assessment (5 minutes)

• Using a simple smiley face or traffic light system, pupils reflect on their confidence and creativity during the lesson:
  • Red: I found it tricky to decorate or present.
  • Yellow: I did okay but want to improve.
  • Green: I am proud of my work and confident presenting!
• Teacher reinforces key vocabulary and celebrates all achievements.

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Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment Opportunities:

• Observation of technical skills in manipulating paint and collage materials.
• Listening to oral presentations for use of vocabulary and clarity of expression.
• Peer feedback to assess understanding of artistic elements.
• Reflective self-assessment on engagement and confidence.

Differentiation Strategies:

• Provide adapted tools (e.g., thicker paintbrushes, pre-cut decorations) for pupils with fine motor needs.
• Extend challenge by encouraging more complex use of pattern or layering for advanced learners.
• Support sentence structure in presentations with visual prompts or adult assistance if needed.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure safe use of materials and supervise glue and scissors closely.
• Scaffold vocabulary with visual aids and model descriptive language throughout.
• Maintain a calm, supportive environment to help pupils feel confident presenting.
• Consider recording presentations (with permission) for pupils to watch later or share with parents, reinforcing learning and pride.

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This lesson instils pride in pupils’ creative achievements and communication skills, fulfilling the National Curriculum’s aim for children to enjoy, explore, and evaluate art and design. The carnival showcase makes learning memorable through celebration and peer recognition.