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.