Year 2 Art Resources and Lesson Plans
Explore creative Year 2 Art resources, lesson plans and schemes of work designed to support the KS1 Art and Design curriculum. Discover ready-to-teach Year 2 Art ideas and activities that help children develop their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, collage and other creative techniques, while exploring the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers.
Popular Year 2 Art Schemes of Work:
What should children learn in Year 2 Art?
Year 2 Art builds on the creative skills children developed in Year 1. Children should continue to experiment with materials and techniques while becoming more confident in making choices, developing ideas and using drawing, painting, sculpture and other creative processes to produce more purposeful artwork.
Develop drawing and observation skills
Encourage children to draw from observation and imagination using pencils, charcoal, crayons and other media, developing greater control over line, shape, pattern, texture and detail.
Explore colour and painting techniques
Give children opportunities to mix and apply colour with increasing confidence, experiment with different brushes and tools, and explore how paint can be used to create texture, pattern, mood and effect.
Experiment with materials and 3D work
Help children develop skills in sculpture, collage, printing, textiles and modelling by shaping, joining, arranging and combining materials in increasingly deliberate and creative ways.
Explore artists and develop ideas
Introduce children to a varied range of artists, craft makers and designers, encouraging them to discuss techniques and styles and use what they discover to develop and refine their own creative ideas.
Explore our Year 2 Art Resources
Browse our complete collection of Year 2 Art lesson plans, schemes of work and resources. Discover creative Year 2 Art projects covering drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, colour, pattern, texture and a range of artists, with ready-to-teach lessons and activities designed to develop children’s artistic skills and support the KS1 Art and Design curriculum.
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Planning Year 2 Art
When planning Art in Year 2, build on the skills children developed in Year 1 by giving them opportunities to experiment with materials and techniques with increasing control and purpose. Drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture and other practical Year 2 Art activities can help children develop their understanding of colour, line, shape, pattern, texture and form while encouraging them to make their own creative choices.
Give children opportunities to explore the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers, discussing the materials, techniques and ideas they encounter and using these as inspiration for their own artwork. Sketchbooks can be used to record observations, practise techniques, explore ideas and begin to develop and refine designs. Revisiting skills and working with different media throughout the year helps children make progress and develop confidence within the KS1 Art and Design curriculum.
Planning Art for your whole school? Explore our Art Curriculum Packs →Frequently Asked Questions about Year 2 Art
What should children learn in Year 2 Art?
In Year 2 Art, children should continue developing their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. They should experiment with colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space, use a range of materials creatively and learn about the work of different artists, craftspeople and designers.
What are some good Year 2 Art ideas?
Good Year 2 Art ideas include drawing from observation, painting and colour mixing, printing, collage, sculpture, pattern, portraits, landscapes and nature-inspired art. Projects can also explore the work of particular artists or art movements, giving children a starting point for developing their own creative ideas.
What Art skills should Year 2 children develop?
Year 2 children can build greater control and confidence when drawing, painting, printing, modelling and working with different materials. They can experiment with techniques, make choices about colour and composition, develop ideas through their artwork and begin to evaluate what they have created.
How is Year 2 Art different from Year 1 Art?
Year 2 Art should build on children's experiences in Year 1 rather than simply introducing more techniques. Children can revisit familiar materials and processes while working with greater control and independence, making more deliberate creative choices and beginning to develop and refine their ideas.
Which artists are suitable for Year 2?
There is no prescribed list of artists for Year 2. Children should encounter a varied range of artists, craftspeople and designers and explore art from different times, places and cultures. Artists with distinctive approaches to colour, pattern, line, texture, shape or materials can provide particularly accessible starting points for Year 2 Art activities.
Should children use sketchbooks in Year 2 Art?
Yes. Sketchbooks can be used in Year 2 to record observations, practise techniques, experiment with materials and explore ideas before creating finished artwork. They can also help children revisit their work and see how their artistic skills and ideas are developing.
How can I plan Year 2 Art lessons?
Start by identifying the artistic knowledge, skills or techniques you want children to develop, then choose practical activities that allow them to explore and apply them. A sequence might include investigating an artist or technique, experimenting in sketchbooks, practising particular skills and using these experiences to create a final piece of artwork.
How often should Art be taught in Year 2?
The National Curriculum does not prescribe how frequently Art must be taught. Schools might teach Year 2 Art weekly, alternate it with another foundation subject or teach it in blocks. Whichever approach is used, children should have enough opportunities to revisit and develop their artistic knowledge and skills across KS1.
What is included in PlanBee Year 2 Art resources?
PlanBee's Year 2 Art resources include ready-to-teach lesson plans and schemes of work with teaching slides, practical activities and supporting resources. The lessons provide structured opportunities for children to explore artists, materials and techniques while developing the knowledge and skills required by the KS1 Art and Design curriculum.
