The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe, written by C.S. Lewis, is a beloved children’s fantasy novel that has captivated the hearts of readers for generations. This magical tale takes readers on an enchanting journey through the world of Narnia, filled with talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic adventures. In this blog article, we will explore a variety of art activities inspired by The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe, specifically designed for KS2 students.
Art activities based on this timeless classic not only provide an opportunity for students to express their creativity but also allow them to delve deeper into the themes and characters of the story. Through these activities, children can bring the magical world of Narnia to life, while also developing their artistic skills and imagination.
Create a Narnia-inspired diorama
Encourage students to create their own mini Narnia scene inside a shoebox or any other suitable container. They can use various art materials such as clay, paper, and paint to design the different landscapes, characters, and objects from the story. This hands-on activity allows students to visualize the world of Narnia and recreate their favorite scenes.
Begin by discussing the different settings and scenes from The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Have students brainstorm their favorite locations, such as the lamppost in the snow-covered forest or the grand castle of Cair Paravel. Provide them with art supplies and guide them in constructing the elements of their chosen scene. They can mold clay to create trees, use paper to make characters, and paint the background to depict the magical atmosphere of Narnia.
Encourage students to pay attention to details and bring their scene to life. They can add glitter to represent snow, use cotton balls for clouds, and incorporate small props to enhance the overall effect. Once their diorama is complete, students can present their creations to the class, explaining the significance of their chosen scene and discussing the artistic choices they made.
Materials:
- Shoeboxes or containers
- Clay
- Paper
- Paint
- Glitter
- Cotton balls
- Small props (optional)
Design a magical wardrobe
Invite students to design their own magical wardrobe, just like the one in the story that serves as a portal to Narnia. This activity allows students to exercise their imagination and explore their artistic skills in creating a visually captivating and unique wardrobe.
Begin by discussing the characteristics of the wardrobe in The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Talk about its size, shape, and intricate carvings. Encourage students to think about the details that make the wardrobe magical, such as the ornate handles or the patterns on the doors. Provide them with drawing materials or digital tools to sketch their ideas.
Students can start by drawing the general shape of the wardrobe, paying attention to proportions and perspective. They can then add intricate details, such as carvings, engravings, or even hidden symbols that hold significance to the story. Encourage them to experiment with different styles, from realistic to more fantastical interpretations of the wardrobe.
If possible, provide students with materials such as cardboard, wood, or foam board to bring their designs to life. They can cut out the shape of the wardrobe, use paint or markers to add colors and patterns, and even add small embellishments like beads or glitter for a touch of magic. Once their designs are complete, students can present their magical wardrobes to the class, explaining the symbolism behind their choices and discussing the artistic techniques they employed.
Materials:
- Drawing materials (paper, pencils, markers)
- Digital tools (optional)
- Cardboard, wood, or foam board (optional)
- Paint or markers
- Embellishments (beads, glitter, etc.) (optional)
Paint a portrait of Aslan
Aslan, the majestic lion and the true ruler of Narnia, is one of the most iconic characters in the story. Students can unleash their artistic skills by painting a portrait of Aslan using acrylics, watercolors, or any other medium of their choice. They can focus on capturing his regal presence and wise expression, bringing this beloved character to life on canvas.
Begin by discussing the characteristics of Aslan. Talk about his majestic appearance, his golden mane, and his powerful gaze. Encourage students to study reference images of lions to understand the structure and anatomy of these magnificent creatures.
Provide students with a canvas or sturdy paper, along with a variety of painting materials. They can start by sketching the basic shape of Aslan’s head and body, paying attention to proportions and details such as his eyes, nose, and mouth. Encourage them to use different brushstrokes and techniques to capture the texture of his fur and the intensity of his gaze.
Guide students in mixing and blending colors to achieve the desired effects. They can use warm tones like oranges, yellows, and browns to bring out the golden beauty of Aslan’s mane. Encourage them to add depth and dimension to the portrait by carefully shading and highlighting different areas.
Once the portraits are complete, students can share their artwork with the class, explaining the artistic choices they made and discussing how they captured the essence of Aslan’s character through their paintings.
Materials:
- Canvas or sturdy paper
- Acrylics, watercolors, or other painting materials
- Paintbrushes
- Palette
- Water container
Create a Narnian creature collage
Narnia is teeming with unique and fantastical creatures. Students can gather images of different animals and mythical creatures from magazines or the internet and create a collage representing the diverse inhabitants of Narnia. This activity encourages students to explore their imagination and mix and match different elements to create their own extraordinary creatures.
Begin by discussing the variety of creatures found in The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Talk about the characteristics and appearances of these creatures, such as centaurs, fauns, and talking animals. Encourage students to think about the different parts of these creatures and how they can combine them to create new and unique beings.
Provide students with magazines, newspapers, or printed images of animals and mythical creatures. They can start by cutting out the different parts of these creatures, such as heads, bodies, legs, wings, and tails. Encourage them to mix and match these elements to create their own extraordinary Narnian creatures.
Students can glue the different parts onto a piece of paper or cardboard, arranging them in a way that creates a cohesive and visually interesting composition. They can also use markers or colored pencils to add additional details or backgrounds to their collages.
Once the collages are complete, students can share their creations with the class, explaining the inspiration behind their creatures and discussing the artistic choices they made in their compositions.
Materials:
- Magazines, newspapers, or printed images of animals and mythical creatures
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or colored pencils
- Cardboard or paper
Craft a Turkish Delight wrapper
Turkish Delight plays a significant role in the story, tempting Edmund into betraying his siblings. Students can design and craft their own Turkish Delight wrapper using colorful paper, glitter, and other decorative materials. This activity not only allows students to express their creativity but also explores the symbolism behind this delicious yet treacherous treat.
Begin by discussing the importance of Turkish Delight in The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Talk about its alluring and addictive qualities, as well as its connection to Edmund’s downfall. Encourage students to think about the symbolism behind Turkish Delight and how they can visually represent its allure and danger.
Provide students with colorful paper, glitter, markers, and other decorative materials. They can start by designing the layout of their wrapper, considering the colors, patterns, and imagery that will convey the essence of Turkish Delight. Encourage them to experiment with different shapes, such as rectangles, triangles, or even more intricate designs.Students can cut out their chosen shape from the colorful paper and then decorate it using markers, glitter, and other decorative materials. They can create patterns, add shimmering details, or even incorporate images or symbols that represent the allure and temptation associated with Turkish Delight.
Encourage students to explore different textures and materials to enhance the visual appeal of their wrappers. They can use ribbons, beads, or even fabric to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Remind them to consider the overall presentation of their wrappers, thinking about how they can make them look enticing and enticingly dangerous at the same time.
Once the wrappers are complete, students can share their creations with the class, discussing the symbolism behind their designs and explaining the artistic choices they made in representing Turkish Delight. This activity not only allows students to express their creativity but also encourages them to think critically about the themes and moral lessons embedded in The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe.
Materials:
- Colorful paper
- Glitter
- Markers
- Decorative materials (ribbons, beads, fabric, etc.)
- Scissors
- Glue
Illustrate a favorite scene
Ask students to choose their favorite scene from The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe and illustrate it using their preferred artistic style. This activity allows them to dive deeper into the story, imagining the characters and events in a visual format. It also encourages them to think about the key moments in the story and visually depict the emotions and actions of the characters.
Begin by discussing the different scenes and events from The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Have students share their favorite moments and explain why they resonate with them. Encourage them to think about the emotions, actions, and details that make those scenes memorable.
Provide students with drawing materials such as pencils, markers, or digital tools. They can start by sketching out their chosen scene, focusing on the composition, proportions, and layout. Encourage them to think about the placement of characters, the setting, and any important objects or symbols that are part of the scene.
Guide students in adding details and bringing their illustrations to life. They can use shading, color, and various artistic techniques to capture the atmosphere, emotions, and actions of the characters. Encourage them to pay attention to facial expressions, body language, and the overall mood of the scene.
Once the illustrations are complete, students can share their artwork with the class, explaining the significance of their chosen scenes and discussing the artistic choices they made in bringing those moments to life.
Materials:
- Drawing materials (paper, pencils, markers)
- Digital tools (optional)
Design a book cover
Challenge students to design a captivating book cover for The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. This activity allows them to showcase their design skills and interpret the themes of the book in their own unique way. It also encourages them to think about visual storytelling and how to create a cover that captures the essence of the story and entices readers.
Begin by discussing the key themes and symbols in The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Talk about the journey, adventure, magic, and the battle between good and evil that are central to the story. Encourage students to think about how they can visually represent these themes on a book cover.
Provide students with drawing materials, digital tools, or a combination of both. They can start by sketching out their ideas for the book cover, considering the composition, typography, and overall visual impact. Encourage them to experiment with different styles, colors, and imagery to create a cover that stands out.
Guide students in refining their designs and adding details that capture the essence of the story. They can incorporate key characters, symbols, or even important scenes in their cover design. Encourage them to think about the mood and atmosphere they want to convey, whether it’s a sense of adventure, mystery, or enchantment.
Once the book covers are complete, students can present their designs to the class, explaining the artistic choices they made and discussing how their covers reflect the themes and spirit of The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe.
Materials:
- Drawing materials (paper, pencils, markers)
- Digital tools (optional)
Create a stained glass window
Inspired by the beautiful stained glass windows found in churches and cathedrals, students can design and create their own Narnia-inspired stained glass window. This activity explores the use of light, color, and symbolism in art, allowing students to create a visually stunning piece that captures the magic and wonder of Narnia.
Begin by discussing the beauty and significance of stained glass windows in religious and artistic contexts. Talk about the use of color and light to create a sense of awe and reverence. Show students examples of stained glass windows, discussing the different techniques and styles used in their creation.
Provide students with materials such as colored cellophane, tissue paper, or transparent paints. They can start by sketching out their designs, considering the shapes, patterns, and symbols they want to incorporate. Encourage them to think about the scenes or elements from The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe that hold special meaning to them.
Guide students in cutting out the different shapes from the colored cellophane or tissue paper, arranging them to create a visually pleasing composition. They can use glue or tape to secure the pieces together. Alternatively, if using transparent paints, students can paint their designs onto a transparent surface, such as acetate or glass.
Once the stained glass windows are complete, students can display them in a window or against a light source, allowing the colors to come alive. They can also share their creations with the class, explaining the symbolism behind their designs and discussing the artistic techniques they employed.
Materials:
- Colored cellophane or tissue paper
- Transparent paints
- Paintbrushes
- Glue or tape
- Transparent surface (acetate, glass, etc.)
Sculpt an ice sculpture
Recall the icy world created by the White Witch and challenge students to sculpt their own miniature ice sculpture. This activity introduces students to the art of sculpture and encourages them to experiment with different materials and textures as they recreate the beauty and fragility of Narnia’s frozen landscape.
Begin by discussing the significance of the icy world created by the White Witch in The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Talk about the sense of wonder, danger, and enchantment associated with this frozen landscape. Show students images of ice sculptures to inspire their creativity.
Provide students with materials such as ice cubes, clay, or soap. They can start by shaping their chosen material into the desired form, whether it’s a character, creature, or landscape element from the story. Encourage them to pay attention to details and textures that are characteristic of ice, such as smooth surfaces, cracks, or even the illusion of melting.
If using clay or soap, students can use sculpting tools or their hands to mold and shape the material. If using ice, they can carve and shape it using small chisels, spoons, or even their hands. Remind them to be careful while handling sharp tools and to take necessary safety precautions.
Once the sculptures are complete, students can display them in a cold or frozen environment, such as a freezer or outside on a cold day, to maintain their form. They can also share their creations with the class, explaining the artistic choices they made and discussing how they captured the fragile yet captivating beauty of Narnia’s icy landscapes.
Materials:
- Ice cubes
- Clay
- Soap
- Sculpting tools (if using clay or soap)
- Chisels, spoons, or hands (if using ice)
Design a Narnian landscape
Invite students to design their own Narnian landscape, using a combination of drawing, painting, and collage techniques. This activity allows them to explore the world-building aspect of art and develop their visual storytelling skills as they create a vibrant and imaginative representation of Narnia’s diverse landscapes.
Begin by discussing the different landscapes describedin The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Talk about the dense forests, snowy mountains, vast open fields, and other unique environments that make up the world of Narnia. Encourage students to think about the atmosphere, colors, and elements that define each landscape.
Provide students with drawing materials, paint, and collage materials such as colored paper, fabric, or natural materials like leaves and twigs. They can start by sketching out their vision for the Narnian landscape, considering the composition, perspective, and overall mood they want to convey.
Guide students in adding details and bringing their landscapes to life. They can use a combination of drawing and painting techniques to create the different elements of the landscape, such as trees, mountains, or bodies of water. Additionally, they can incorporate collage materials to add texture and depth to their artwork.
Encourage students to experiment with different techniques and materials to achieve the desired effects. They can use watercolor washes for a soft and dreamy atmosphere, or they can layer and collage different textures to create a more tactile representation of Narnia’s landscapes.
Once the landscapes are complete, students can share their artwork with the class, explaining the inspiration behind their designs and discussing the artistic choices they made in representing the diverse and enchanting world of Narnia.
Materials:
- Drawing materials (paper, pencils, markers)
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Collage materials (colored paper, fabric, leaves, twigs, etc.)
In conclusion, engaging in art activities inspired by The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe can be a delightful and educational experience for KS2 students. These activities provide a creative outlet for students to express their love for the story, while also enhancing their artistic skills, imagination, and understanding of the themes and characters. By immersing themselves in the world of Narnia through art, students can deepen their connection with the story and develop a lifelong appreciation for both literature and the arts.