Texture and Collage — Year 2 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Art & Design KS1 — use a range of materials; develop techniques in texture and collage
Overview
Pupils explore texture as an element of art, collecting and experimenting with a range of materials to create tactile collages. They look at the work of artists such as Henri Matisse to understand how collage can be used expressively.
Texture and Collage learning objectives
- Describe textures using appropriate vocabulary (rough, smooth, bumpy, soft, shiny).
- Experiment with a range of materials to create different textural effects.
- Use cutting, tearing, and layering techniques to create a collage composition.
- Make connections between their own work and the work of an artist who uses collage.
Success criteria
- I can describe textures using words like rough, smooth and bumpy.
- I can tear, cut and layer materials.
- I can make a collage with different textures.
- I can say how my work is like an artist's work.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Pass around a 'texture bag' with four or five mystery objects for pupils to feel without looking. Can they describe the texture? Introduce vocabulary: rough, smooth, bumpy, ridged, soft, silky, scratchy. Look at examples of Matisse's cut-out work and ask: how do you think he made these? What does it make you feel?
Demonstrate collage techniques: tearing for a rough edge, cutting for a clean edge, layering to create depth, screwing paper into balls to add 3D texture. Show how the same shape cut from tissue paper, corrugated card, and foil creates completely different effects. Discuss composition briefly: filling the space, having a focal point, choosing colours intentionally.
Pupils create a small texture sampler — a square divided into four sections, each using a different technique or material. Label each section with the texture word it suggests.
Pupils create a collage based on a natural subject (a bird, a fish, a tree, a flower) using materials of their choice. Encourage mixing textures intentionally — smooth petals with a rough stem, shiny scales with a matt background.
Share collages. Ask: which texture words could we use to describe this piece? Which material gave the most interesting effect? What would you change if you made it again?
Support and extension for texture and collage
Support
- Use a feely bag and a picture word mat of texture words.
- Pre-cut some shapes so pupils can focus on arranging and layering.
- Limit materials to three contrasting textures.
Extension
- Plan the composition with a quick sketch before sticking anything down.
- Use texture to show a mood or a season.
- Compare their collage with the artist's and say what they would change next time.
Check for understanding
Quick questions for the plenary or an exit ticket. Tap a question to see the answer.
1. What is texture?
Answer: How something feels, or looks as if it would feel.
2. What is a collage?
Answer: A picture made by sticking different materials onto a surface.
3. Name two ways to change the edge of paper.
Answer: Cutting and tearing (also crumpling or folding).
4. What does layering mean?
Answer: Placing pieces on top of each other to build up the picture.
Resources you will need
- Collage materials: tissue paper, fabric, card, foil, sandpaper, corrugated card
- Scissors and glue
- Feely bag
- Examples of collage by an artist such as Eric Carle or Henri Matisse
Common Misconceptions
- Collage is just sticking — emphasise the artistic decisions: which material, which placement, which technique creates the effect you want.
- You can only use paper — collage can include fabric, foil, string, leaves, and more; widen the definition.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Year 1 Art: colour mixing and painting.
- EYFS: free exploration of malleable materials and construction.
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