Textured Collage Fun

Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Age Group: Reception (4-5 years)
Unit: My Colorful World
Lesson Number: 5 of 20

Objectives

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

1. Identify different textures and colours in natural and recycled materials.
2. Create a textured collage that expresses their favourite colours and their meanings.
3. Develop fine motor skills through cutting and gluing.

Curriculum Framework

This lesson aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, particularly focusing on:

• Expressive Arts and Design (ELG 3): Creating and exploring media and materials.
• Understanding the World (ELG 15): Exploring the world around them.
• Communication and Language (ELG 7): Speaking and listening to share ideas.

Resources Needed

• Natural materials: leaves, twigs, flowers, stones (collected beforehand)
• Recycled materials: old fabric scraps, cardboard, paper, buttons
• A4 and A3 sized card for collage base
• Glue sticks, PVA glue, tape
• Child-safe scissors
• Markers or crayons for additional decoration
• Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Gather the Class:

   • Welcome children and briefly explain the concept of textures and colours.
   • Ask the class to share their favourite colours and what those colours mean to them (e.g., red = love, blue = calm).

2. Show Examples:

   • Display some pre-made textured collages and discuss the materials used.
   • Facilitate a conversation about texture (smooth, rough, bumpy) and colour.

Main Activity (40 minutes)

Step 1: Material Exploration (10 minutes)

• Guided Exploration:
  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a selection of natural and recycled materials.
  • Encourage them to touch and describe the textures and colours of their items.

Step 2: Planning the Collage (5 minutes)

• Brainstorm:
  • Have students think about their chosen colour and what they wish to represent in their collage.
  • Provide each child with an A4 card to begin sketching their ideas (optional).

Step 3: Creating the Collage (25 minutes)

• Collage Creation:
  • Distribute the A3 card bases and glue sticks.
  • Allow children to select materials and create their collages.
  • Walk around to offer assistance, encouraging creativity and discussing their choices.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Show and Share:

   • Allocate time for students to present their collages to the class.
   • Encourage them to describe the textures they used and what their collage represents regarding their favourite colour.

2. Reflective Discussion:

   • Engage students in a discussion about what they learned about textures and how colours can express emotions or ideas.
   • Ask questions like, "Which texture was your favourite to work with?" and "How do you feel about your collage?"

Assessment

• Observation: Monitor students during the activity for engagement and ability to describe their materials.
• Group Discussion: Assess understanding through their ability to articulate the meanings of their chosen colours and texts.

Differentiation

• For Advanced Learners: Encourage them to create a more complex collage featuring a wider variety of materials and textures.
• For Struggling Students: Provide templates or examples to follow, offer one-on-one assistance, and simplify tasks where necessary.
• For English as an Additional Language (EAL) Students: Pair them with a buddy who can help articulate ideas.

Extensions

• Home Activity: Encourage students to collect materials at home and bring them for the next art lesson.
• Gallery Walk: Display the collages around the classroom, allowing students to walk around and give positive feedback on their classmates' artwork.

This detailed lesson plan aims to have students explore creativity while engaging with textures and colours in a hands-on, meaningful way. By the end of the session, they will have a deeper understanding of how to express emotions and ideas through art.