by our exhibitions and the collection.
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words
Step into paintings, meet people and join in their thoughts and conversations. Pupils' speaking, listening and writing skills are developed through this workshop exploring artworks from our collection.
Aims (Skills, Knowledge, Outcome)
- To explore paintings as inspiration for story-telling, creative writing and poetry
- To use paintings as a stimulus for drama and role-play
- To encourage questioning techniques and discussion to develop character and plot
- To promote co-operative work and use of descriptive language
What happens in the session
We use a variety of methods to bring the paintings ‘off the canvas’. Drama activities, including mime and thought-tracking, encourage children to relate the artworks to personal experience. Through role play we meet characters from the paintings, stepping into their shoes as we explore their personalities and emotions. We use these encounters to prompt creative writing and guide story-telling and plot development.
The session also focuses on setting, describing scenes and creating ‘soundscapes’ generating sound effects to match what we see. The children’s ideas and observations are used to capture the scene in poetry.
How to prepare for the session
- Ensure the children are familiar with open-ended questions and experience of writing in the first person.
- Explain that the session involves lots of drama and role-play, some of which involves everyone and some of which involves just a few .
What people are saying about the session
“I always look forward to visiting one particular painting, I never know where the imagination of the children will take the plot next.”
Jo, workshop leader
“When I leave I am going to include paintings within my English teaching more often, a fab starting point!”
Year 4 Teacher, Barlow Hall Primary School
For more information including booking, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment, please go to plan your visit.
