Hokusai’s Wave

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding of Japan’s famous artist Katsushika Hokusai and his impact on art history (Art and Design – KS2).
Explore printmaking techniques and replicate his style using mixed media.
Use drawing and painting skills to create line, pattern, and colour effects.
Evaluate own work and that of peers, developing critical thinking and artistic vocabulary.

This lesson links to the National Curriculum for Art and Design:

Pupils should be taught to create sketch books to record observations and use them to review and revisit ideas.
Pupils should improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and printing.
Pupils should understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand who Hokusai was and identify key features of his work.
Create our own Hokusai-inspired artwork using printmaking techniques.
Use line, pattern, and colour confidently in our art.
Discuss and evaluate artistic choices.

Success Criteria

I can explain three facts about Hokusai and his art.
I can replicate the style of “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” using lines and patterns.
I can use paint and printing techniques carefully and creatively.
I can use art vocabulary such as ‘printmaking’, ‘pattern’, ‘line’, and ‘composition’ correctly.
I can reflect on my work and suggest ways to improve or extend it.

Resources

Large print outs of “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” with dyslexia-friendly font labels.
Whiteboard and projector for visual presentation.
Sketchbooks or art paper.
Pencils, black fine liners, blue and white paint.
Printing rollers, sponges, foam sheets for printing stencils.
Visual vocabulary cards with images and definitions.
Dyslexia-friendly fact sheet about Hokusai (clear font, short sentences, bullet points).

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
SEN / Dyslexia	Provide dyslexia-friendly reading materials; use bullet points and visuals; audio vocabulary; allow extra time.
EAL	Use picture cards and gestures; pair with a buddy; pre-teach vocabulary.
Higher Attainers	Encourage use of mixed media and complex print layering; challenge with detailed patterns; introduce shadow and tone effects.
All pupils	Offer choice of materials for printing; scaffold step-by-step instructions and verbal explanations.

Lesson Structure

Flying Start Activity (10 minutes)

Show pupils “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” image projected large.
Ask: “What do you see? What feelings or ideas does it give you?”
Display 3 dyslexia-friendly fact cards about Hokusai, read one aloud while pupils follow along silently.
Pupils discuss briefly in pairs one new thing they learned.

Vocabulary Introduction (5 minutes)

Introduce four key terms: printmaking, pattern, composition, line.
Use visual cards with pictures and easy definitions.
Quick “flash and say” game to reinforce understanding.

Main Teaching & Task (30 minutes)

Explain Hokusai’s use of repeated lines and patterns showing wave movement.
Demonstrate how to create a foam printing stencil of a wave pattern.
Pupils produce first a light pencil sketch of a wave inspired by Hokusai, focusing on curvy lines and smaller wave details.
Use stencil and paint to print wave patterns over sketches, layering blue tones.
Circulate providing one-to-one support, questioning pupils on their choices (e.g., “How does your pattern make the wave look like it’s moving?”).

Questioning to Develop Thinking

What techniques do you see Hokusai using to capture the energy of the sea?
Why do you think he used so many curved lines?
How do different shades of blue affect the feeling of the image?
Can you compare your wave to Hokusai’s? What is similar or different?

Aim Higher Challenge

Add shadowing with darker paint or hatching with pen to create depth.
Try making a smaller print inside the large wave, representing boats or Mt Fuji.
Use additional colours or add texture using sponges or toothbrush splatter techniques.

Extension Activities

Research and create a mini fact file on Japanese Ukiyo-e art for the class display.
Use digital art apps to replicate Hokusai’s waves and experiment with animation.
Write a short poem or story inspired by the image and add it to the artwork.

Plenary (10 minutes)

In a circle, have pupils share one thing they liked about their own or a peer’s work.
Recap the key vocabulary orally; invite different pupils to explain each word.
Reflect on success criteria by asking “Which did you manage well today? What would you like to improve for next time?”

Assessment

Formative: Observations during task, questioning responses, and discussion notes.
Outcome: Completed printed wave artwork demonstrating understanding of line, pattern and tone.
Self-assessment against success criteria recorded in sketchbooks or learning journals.

This lesson plan ensures engagement with key artistic techniques and cultural understanding according to the National Curriculum, supports diverse learners through tailored materials, and encourages higher-order thinking for all pupils.

Teaching Instructions