Symbols and Storytelling

A fun, interactive workshop looking at a range of great art. Perfect for a Pause Day or for build up towards Christmas. It relates to the children’s own experiences as well as investigating paintings from the 1300s through to contemporary images of the Annunciation, Advent and the Nativity. 

It works really well for just one class - or across three!

Engaging with Paintings

To start the day, children will learn how to ‘read’ a painting, to identify symbols in art and understand why they were important. 

For centuries, art was based around religion and 'normal', everyday people would only ever see art in churches. They would use the paintings to learn their bible stories and the messages of the church. Therefore, the storytelling in paintings had to be clear and was full of symbols so they could be understood. Almost every event in the bible, and the Christian calendar, are shown in paintings, and they had to be easy to read.

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Practical Activity:

Next, there is a practical workshop to create their own angel image. Who are these messengers? We think about what a modern day angel looks like - who do we call ‘an angel’ today? Then the children create their own angel images.

This will be aimed at the correct level depending upon the ages of the children and can be adjusted to your class and school’s needs and interests.

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Activity 1: Collage Angels

Using a wide range of art materials and collaging items (plus a body outline and template, if required) we create mixed media angels. Each child can create an angel that is personal and relevant to their own lives and experiences. They can all express their own personalities through this activities to create a range of different angels across the class.

Activity 2: Stained ‘Glass’ Angels  

(Suited to KS2)

Not actually using glass! We use tissue paper and PVA glue to create their own stained glass effect images. This is a messy but fun activity. The images need to dry overnight. 

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