Opening Out: Shells and Sketchbooks

By Tobi Meuwissen

In this activity, learners experiment with a range of drawing tools and materials to create both observational and experimental mixed-media drawings.

In the session, they begin by making a concertina sketchbook using tracing paper, before experimenting with ink and a range of drawing materials, moving onto close observational drawing of shells, to fill their concertinas with drawings in inventive and creative ways.

The three drawing exercises, along with the warm-up activity, are carefully scaffolded to help children develop their skills step-by-step. Each activity builds on prior learning, reinforcing understanding of both the subject matter and the materials, while encouraging children to make connections and informed choices about their next steps.

This activity was facilitated with Year 4 learners at Beaver Road Junior School over a 1.5-hour session, but it can easily be extended or adapted, with opportunities to use the exercises as warm-ups across different sessions. It also comes with plenty of scope to adapt the exercises to the needs or aims of your learners.

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