Learning objective
- To learn how to hold and move a paintbrush in different ways.
Success criteria
- I can hold a brush correctly, using a
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National curriculum
Art and design
Pupils should be
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Cross-curricular links
None.
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: Painting memories. Look at the paintings shown and point out that there are different marks (lines, patterns and shapes made using different art materials). All of these have been made with paint (a coloured liquid used to make a painting). Explain that the children will think about the tools the artist used…
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could use larger, chunkier brushes to support a comfortable and controlled grip.
- Could use the adapted Activity: Concentric circles template: support version with fewer circles to focus on making different marks with control.
- Could respond to simple verbal prompts (for example, “Can you press softly?” or “Can you make a longer line?”) to explore different brush movements.
- Could use finger-painting for one ring if fine motor control is still developing, then move to a brush for the rest to show contrast.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should choose different grips to create different types of brush marks and explain their choices (for example, holding the brush closer to or further away from the bristles, or holding it more upright).
- Should explain how changing grip or pressure affects the marks they make.
- Should make intentional choices about colour or brush movement and explain the effect they wanted to create.
- Could invent their own new brush mark and name it.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Hold the brush in a comfortable, functional
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Vocabulary definitions
-
brush (Y1)
A tool with a handle and soft bristles used to put paint on paper or other surfaces.
-
brushstrokes (Y1)
Marks made by moving a brush across a surface when painting.
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In this unit
Lesson 1: Paint and brush control
Lesson 2: Exploring brushes
Lesson 3: Controlling paint
Lesson 4: Planning a painting
Lesson 5: Alma Thomas inspired paintings
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 8th July, 2026
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