Goals for a digital art session

Children should leave able to use two or three tools with purpose, such as layers, brush size and undo, and able to explain one creative decision. Pairing a screen task with a short paper sketch first keeps ideas ahead of the software.

Any free drawing app that the school already manages will do. Scratch includes a paint editor and lets children animate their own sprites, which suits a follow-up session.

Sample session: a three-frame flip animation (60 minutes)

Ages 8 to 11, pairs sharing one tablet or computer. Materials: devices with a drawing app that supports layers or frames, styluses if available, paper and pencils for planning, a projector for demonstrations.

• 0-10 min: On paper, each pair sketches a simple object that changes, such as a seed sprouting or a ball bouncing, in three boxes.

• 10-20 min: Demonstrate layers, brush size, the eraser and undo. Show how to copy a frame and change one detail.

• 20-45 min: Pairs draw their three frames, swapping the stylus at each frame so both contribute.

• 45-55 min: Play the frames in a loop or flick between them. Pairs add one improvement.

• 55-60 min: Two or three pairs show their loop on the projector and explain the change they made.

Practical and safety notes

Check devices are charged and logged in before children arrive, and turn off notifications. Save work to a shared class folder rather than personal accounts, and follow your school's rules on photographing or uploading children's work.

Build in a screen break at the planning and sharing stages. Agree simple handling rules for devices, such as two hands when carrying and screens flat on the table when the adult is speaking.

Adapting for age and experience

Six and seven year olds can draw a single picture using fill and brush tools, then print or display it. Older children, 11 and 12, can extend to eight frames, add a background layer and try basic timing. Confident pupils can import their drawings into Scratch as costumes and animate them with a few blocks.

What children take away is a short looping animation, a few tools they can now use with purpose, and experience of sharing a device fairly with a partner. Keep the paper plans with the saved files. Looking at both side by side shows children how an idea changed as they worked, and gives parents and teachers a clear record of the session.

Key points

• Start on paper so ideas come before tools.

• Teach only the tools the task needs: layers, brush size, undo.

• Pair children and swap the stylus to keep both involved.

• Store work in a class folder and follow school image rules.

Ready-made resources

Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: W4C-130 Art Studio Workshops.

Photos: wu yi, Joseph Ogbonnaya / Unsplash