Sculpting Small Birds

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, pupils will:

• Use drawing techniques to add feather textures to their sculptures (National Curriculum Art and Design: Pupils should use a range of materials creatively to design and make products).
• Explore and select from a variety of collage materials to enhance 3D effects on their bird sculptures (Art and Design: Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination).
• Work collaboratively to support peers and develop communication skills (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education - PSHE).

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Curriculum Links

Art and Design Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2)

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products: Pupils use drawing and collage materials to add texture and form.
• Play with ideas and respond to artistic processes: Pupils explore how textures and materials can be applied to sculpture.
• Explore ideas and feelings through work: Express creativity through choices in texture and materials.

PSHE and Communication

• Encourage cooperation and turn-taking by working in pairs, supporting social and emotional development as detailed in Early Years and Key Stage 1 frameworks.

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Resources

• Pre-made small bird sculptures (paper mache or modelling clay base from previous lesson)
• Pencils, coloured pencils, fine markers suitable for young children
• Assorted collage materials: feathers, coloured tissue paper, fabric scraps, crinkled cellophane, sequins, yarns
• Glue sticks, PVA glue, child-safe scissors
• Work tables arranged for pairs
• Visual aids/examples of feather patterns and bird textures
• Aprons or protective cloths
• Wet wipes and paper towels

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Lesson Structure (45 Minutes)

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather pupils around and briefly recap last week’s lesson on building the basic 3D bird form.
• Show examples of different feather textures on drawings and real birds (picture flashcards).
• Explain today’s goal: to add feathers using drawing and collage materials to create a textured, three-dimensional effect.
• Introduce success criteria:
  • Use pencil or marker to add at least one feather pattern texture on the sculpture.
  • Add at least three different collage materials to decorate the bird.
  • Work with a partner to share ideas and materials.

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Model how to draw simple feather shapes and patterns on paper (e.g., zigzags, small lines, scallops).
• Show how to select and layer collage elements to create texture and 3D effects.
• Demonstrate careful glue application to avoid excess mess or drooping.

3. Main Activity: Drawing and Collaging (30 minutes)

• Pupils work in pairs, encouraging collaboration.
• Circulate to support those with fine motor difficulties: offer hand-over-hand guidance or allow use of large-grip pencils.
• Provide choice of collage materials to allow sensory preferences, especially for pupils with Autism or ADHD who may be sensitive to textures.
• Scaffolded prompts for those needing extra support:
  • Use templates or stencils for drawing feathers.
  • Use pre-cut collage shapes if cutting difficult.
• Encourage advanced learners to create themed birds (e.g., a parrot with bright colours or a robin with a red breast), focusing on consistent patterns and deliberate colour choices.

4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Invite pairs to show their sculptures and explain the textures and materials they chose.
• Discuss how layering different materials changes the look and feel of the bird.
• Recap success criteria and highlight examples from the room.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Fine Motor Difficulties: Larger tools, offer pre-cut collage pieces, allow use of fingers to affix collage materials.
• For Autism Spectrum: Provide a quiet corner with fewer materials or sensory-friendly options (soft feathers, smooth papers). Use visual step-by-step instructions.
• For ADHD: Break down the task into smaller steps, allow short movement breaks, use clear timers to signal transitions.
• Peer Support: Pair students thoughtfully to encourage cooperation between different abilities.

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Extension Activities

• Create a themed bird with a chosen environment (e.g., tropical, woodland) using specific colours or patterns.
• Encourage pupils to write or dictate a short sentence about their bird and its habitat to integrate literacy.
• Introduce simple 3D paper folding to create additional parts like wings or tails for their sculptures.

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Success Criteria

• The sculpture shows at least one clearly drawn feather texture pattern.
• The bird includes three or more different collage elements that enhance the 3D effect.
• The pupil works cooperatively with a partner.
• Advanced learners produce a bird with a consistent theme, colour scheme, or pattern.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observing pupils’ ability to manipulate materials with increasing control.
• Check that they can describe their choices of textures and materials verbally or through paired discussions.
• Use a simple checklist to note who meets the success criteria and who might need further support or challenge.

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Notes for the Teacher

• Prepare all materials before the lesson to avoid downtime.
• Use positive praise that focuses on effort and creativity rather than “neatness” to boost self-esteem, especially for pupils with additional needs.
• Consider photographing finished sculptures for the class art display or portfolio to celebrate progress through the unit.

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This detailed, inclusive plan adheres closely to the National Curriculum’s art and design goals for Year 1 and supports a creative, sensory-engaged learning experience for all pupils.