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Lesson 1: Tints and shades - Option 2: Christmas themed

Learning how to mix a 'tint' and a 'shade' to paint a tonal Christmas-themed shape or scene.
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Christmas scene at night

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Learning objective

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

1. Recap and recall

Before starting this unit you might want to check children can recall:

  • How to use shapes to build initial sketches.

  • How to mix colours with natural pigments to make natural colours.

  • How to select equipment or paint to recreate specific features.

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Example work

St Joseph's Primary School, Bracknell
St Joseph's Primary School, Bracknell
St Joseph's Primary School, Bracknell
Montem Academy, Slough
Montem Academy, Slough
Montem Academy, Slough
Montem Academy, Slough
Montem Academy, Slough
Montem Academy, Slough

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In this unit

Assessment – Art and design Y4: Painting and mixed mediaLesson 1: Tints and shades – Option 1
Lesson 1: Tints and shades – Option 2: Christmas themed
Lesson 2: Three dimensionsLesson 3: Painting techniquesLesson 4: CompositionLesson 5: Still life
Created by:
Kapow Primary Team
Kapow Primary Team
Our team comprises experienced classroom teachers who love the foundation subjectsFind out more
Maintained by: Kapow Primary teamLast update: 25 March 2026

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