ICT at key stages 1 and 2    (Year 4)

• Remind the class how ICT features, such as cut and paste, can help them with their writing. Explain that they are going to use ICT to develop pictures, using similar tools and techniques.

• Collect wrapping paper that uses repeating patterns. Discuss how the patterns are created and talk about the background colours used.
• Many graphics packages have ready-made stamps or provide tools to create stamps. Show the class how to use stamps and ask the children to create wrapping paper based on a theme, eg plants or animals. Encourage children to experiment with different flood fill backgrounds.

• Discuss the work of Seurat and his use of dots. Demonstrate how to alter the size and pattern of the brush tool to produce a 'pointillist' effect.
• Ask children to recreate sketches from their sketchbooks on screen using a pointillist technique.

• Demonstrate how areas of the screen can be selected, copied and re-sized.
• Show the class pictures of tropical fish. Ask children to create a fish tank by drawing a single fish then making multiple copies of different sizes.

• Discuss designs which use symmetry, eg Islamic carpets. Demonstrate how a paint program can create symmetrical patterns automatically.
• Ask children to produce their own designs for carpets using the symmetry tool.

• Ask children to create a number of black and white templates for stained-glass windows using felt pens or ink, possibly inspired by the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh or from sketches of local church windows. Scan a number of sketches into the computer as a starting point for work on light and colour. Show the children how to use 'save as' to save drafts.
• Ask children to experiment with colours by flood filling the templates with various colours and ask them to use 'save as' to keep versions which work well. Discuss the quality of light created.

• Show the class a mixed-media collage, such as 'Guitar' by Pablo Picasso, and discuss some of the techniques used. Encourage children to find material that can be scanned, eg from newspapers or magazines.
• Ask children to use the various techniques learnt to incorporate the scanned images in order to create composite images, based on direct observation of musical instruments. Encourage them to focus on particular details, such as tuning pegs or keys. Each child could be given a different viewpoint. Remind them of the importance of saving drafts.
• Ask children to print out multiple copies of their work and use the print outs, together with other collected images, to make a mixed-media collage.