Join Art Specialist teacher Dilys Finlay, with over 15 years of experience in the primary classroom, as she guides you through three engaging and highly practical modules designed to enrich creative teaching and learning.
This hands-on programme explores a range of dynamic art processes, thoughtfully adapted for the primary setting. Through step-by-step demonstrations, practical guidance, and classroom-tested strategies, Dilys empowers teachers to confidently introduce ambitious materials and techniques to young learners.
Module 1: Plaster Casting with Clay
In this session, you will learn how to introduce plaster casting to primary school children using clay as a base. This technique encourages observation, creativity, and fine motor skills while allowing students to create keepsake 3D art pieces.
You will explore:
- Preparing and rolling clay
- Creating moulds using everyday objects and natural materials
- Mixing and pouring plaster safely
- Removing and finishing casts for display
Module 2: Creative Techniques with Oil Pastels
In this session you will learn the versatility of oil pastels in the primary classroom. Through step-by-step demonstrations, learners explore blending, sgraffito (scratch) techniques, and oil pastel transfer printing. Participants will develop skills in colour mixing, texture creation, mark making, and observational drawing, all while fostering creativity and experimentation.
You will explore:
- Blending Techniques – Using darker base colours with lighter overlays to create gradients, texture, and painterly effects.
- Sgraffito / Scratch Technique – Layering colours and scratching away the top layer to reveal colours beneath, producing patterns and designs.
- Transfer Printing – Using a photocopy or drawing as a guide to transfer shapes or images via oil pastels, producing mirrored or symmetrical effects.
- Colour Theory in Practice – Exploring warm/cool contrasts, mixing colours, and observing unexpected results.
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Texture & Mark Making – Pressing, layering, scribbling, and creating tactile visual effects.
Module 3: Exploring Black Ink
This is a two-part series introducing black ink techniques to children. The activities encourage skill development, imagination, and good sketchbook practice. The session will support you to guide students to explore line, tone, texture, and experimental drawing while building confidence with brushes, pens, and ink.
You will explore:
Section 1:
- “Taking a Line for a Walk”
- Finding and Enhancing Shapes
- Patterning within Shapes
- Using Water and Brush
Section 2:
- Brush Manipulation
- Ink and Water Interaction
- Doodling and Abstract Exploration
- Observational Drawing with Brush
