This Art and design scheme of work video introduces pupils to sculpture and carving using soap, a simple and low-cost material. It’s a hands-on activity that offers a mostly mess-free way to explore three-dimensional art.

The video begins by showing how sculptors work from blocks of wood or stone, linking children’s work to artists who carve, such as Barbara Hepworth. After exploring examples of sculpture together, pupils will plan their own piece by sketching a simple, organic design.

Using clay tools, teaspoons or even cocktail sticks, pupils will carefully carve their design into a bar of soap. The video models how to shape the soap gradually, working around the design to bring out the form. Once the basic shape is carved, children can smooth and refine their sculpture using tools, fingers or the back of a spoon. The focus is on exploring texture, form and transformation.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Mega materials unit.

See more of our Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 4, Sculpture and 3D: Mega materials, Lesson 2: Soap sculptures.