This half term, Year 1 will be developing their drawing skills through a range of fun and creative activities. Children will experiment with different materials and techniques and use what they learn to create their own artwork, including a self-portrait.

🖌️ What We Are Learning

During Spring 1, children will learn to:

• Draw lines of varying thickness using different tools

• Use a range of media including pastels, chalks, and felt tips

• Explore how lines can be bold, thin, long, or short

• Add detail to their drawings

• Draw a self-portrait, using skills and techniques they have practised

Children will also explore drawings of buildings, landscapes, and cityscapes to help them think about size, space, and shape.

🛠️ Skills We Are Developing

Through this topic, children will develop:

• Fine motor skills – improving control and confidence when drawing

• Artistic skills – experimenting with lines, materials, and techniques

• Observation skills – noticing details in themselves and the world around them

• Creativity – expressing ideas and feelings through art

• Confidence – talking about and sharing their artwork

🗣️ Vocabulary We Are Using

Children will be introduced to and encouraged to use the following vocabulary:

portrait, self-portrait, line drawing, detail, landscape, cityscape, building, pastels, drawing, line, bold, size, space

🏠 How You Can Support at Home

You can help your child by:

• Encouraging them to draw at home using crayons, pencils, or felt tips

• Talking about the lines they use (thick, thin, bold)

• Looking at portraits or photos and discussing details such as facial features

• Asking your child to draw pictures of people, buildings, or places they know

• Praising effort and creativity rather than focusing on perfection

Thank you for supporting your child’s creative learning at home. We look forward to seeing their confidence and skills grow this half term 🎨