PDF medium-term plan; PowerPoint worksheets
KS2
Years 3-6
Every child is an artist, and inspiring children to truly believe in themselves is so rewarding. Book creator Sophie Blackall is the inspiration for this project. Her picturebook Hello Lighthouse is one of the key texts used in our World War 2 focus.
After initially researching artwork by modern illustrators, children will explore techniques used to paint skies and seascapes, draw lighthouse cross-sections, and experiment with collage.
Pupils will then create a lighthouse and its surroundings step by step. During the process, they’ll curate their own artist’s sketchbook showing their development and experimentation.
I have described six lessons here, but use the time needed to complete the artwork; it’s worth it! We often use the majority of a term and at least 12 hours in total.
Learning objectives
- Understand how artists create lighthouses
- Learn how to create cross-sections
- Create an atmospheric background
- Use painting techniques to create waves
- Use collage techniques to create a base for the lighthouse
- Add detail to the artwork
What is Hello Lighthouse about?
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that captures the quiet heroism and routine of life in a lighthouse.
Told through lyrical text and detailed, award-winning artwork, it follows a lighthouse keeper and his family as they experience the changing seasons, weather and tides along the rocky coast.
The story gently explores themes of isolation, duty, family and change – particularly as automation eventually replaces the keeper’s role.
It offers rich opportunities for classroom discussion about coastal life, perseverance and technological progress. The intricate illustrations lend themselves to art projects inspired by the sea – such as creating seascapes, lighthouse models or mixed-media pieces.
Karl Duke is the headteacher of a reading-inspired school in Lincolnshire. He is passionate about the power of picturebooks to inspire learning across the curriculum.
