### Year 1 Art Lesson Plan: Simple Sculpture
**Topic:** Simple Sculpture
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Learning Objectives:**
1. **Understanding Sculpture:** Students will be introduced to the concept of sculpture and the basic process of creating a three-dimensional artwork.
2. **Exploring Materials:** Students will explore various materials that can be used to create simple sculptures.
3. **Developing Motor Skills:** Students will enhance their fine motor skills through hands-on activities.
4. **Encouraging Creativity:** Students will be encouraged to express their own ideas and creativity through sculpture.
**Materials Needed:**
- Modelling clay or play dough
- Pipe cleaners
- Cardboard pieces
- Craft sticks
- Beads, buttons, and other small decorative items
- Non-toxic glue
- Safety scissors
- Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
- A selection of simple sculpture images to inspire students
**Lesson Outline:**
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Engage Students:**
- Show students images of famous sculptures (e.g., works by Henry Moore or Barbara Hepworth) and discuss what they see.
- Explain what a sculpture is (a three-dimensional piece of art).
2. **Explain the Task:**
- Let the students know they will be creating their own simple sculptures using various materials.
- Highlight the importance of creativity and imagination.
**Demonstration (10 minutes):**
1. **Show Examples:**
- Display a few simple sculptures made from clay, pipe cleaners, and other materials.
2. **Demonstrate Techniques:**
- Demonstrate basic techniques such as rolling and shaping clay, bending pipe cleaners, and gluing pieces together.
- Emphasise safety tips, such as careful use of scissors and glue.
**Hands-on Activity (30 minutes):**
1. **Distribute Materials:**
- Give each student a lump of modelling clay or play dough as a base material.
- Provide a variety of supplementary materials such as pipe cleaners, cardboard pieces, craft sticks, beads, buttons, etc.
2. **Create Sculptures:**
- Allow students to experiment and create their own sculptures.
- Encourage them to use different materials and tools to add details and texture.
3. **Teacher Assistance:**
- Walk around the classroom, offering assistance and encouragement.
- Ask students about their sculptures to encourage them to think and talk about their work.
**Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes):**
1. **Student Presentations:**
- Allow time for each student to present their sculpture to the class.
- Ask each student to describe what they created and what materials they used.
2. **Class Discussion:**
- Discuss what students learned about sculpture.
- Highlight the different techniques and materials used by students.
**Conclusion (5 minutes):**
1. **Recap Learning Objectives:**
- Summarise what was learned about sculpture and the creative process.
2. **Clean-Up:**
- Guide students to clean up their work areas and put away materials.
**Extension Activity:**
- **Sculpture Gallery:**
- Create a display area in the classroom where students' sculptures can be exhibited.
- Invite other classes or parents to view the sculptures and celebrate the students' artwork.
**Assessment:**
- Observe student participation and engagement during the lesson.
- Assess the creativity and effort put into the sculptures.
- Use questioning during the reflection session to evaluate understanding and learning outcomes.
Enjoy the creative process of sculpting with your Year 1 students!