An Illustration Walk

Returning to the illustrations in the book and reflecting on what they add to the story.

Lesson length: 1 session

Lesson from The White Fox series

Required reading: Whole book

Text potential

Visual language: Colour, line, shape, position
Visual language: Mood

Purpose

When we look at illustrations, we often notice details on repeated viewings that we missed on first reading. This lesson gives time for exploration of the illustrations, considering aspects of visual language as well as the illustrator’s techniques. Children are invited to consider how illustration supports, enhances, and extends the text.

Preparation

Copies of The White Fox, at least one per pair

Process

Explain that in this lesson, the children will spend time exploring the illustrations in the story. We often notice details when we look at a picture multiple times. Begin by flicking through the book. Do the children notice that the fox moves as the pages turn? Pairs should begin by spending time looking at the illustrations and talking about what they see. They should choose a picture that they find especially interesting. Each child can choose a different illustration and take turns to explore their choice. Once selected, share the list of questions from an earlier lesson:

Is there a specific part of the illustration that interests you?
What range of colours is used?
How do the colours make you feel?
Are colours used to draw your attention to important parts of the picture?
What do you notice about the way line and shape are used?
Choose one word to describe the mood in this image.

Once they have had discussion time, gather the class together to share their responses.

Final reflection

Did you notice any extra details by looking again at an illustration?
What questions would you ask Jackie Morris about her illustrations?

Teacher’s note: This lesson links to the First Encounters Road Trip lesson.

Key vocabulary

colour, line, shape, emotion, mood

Contributors

Sam Keeley

Formerly a teacher and local authority advisory teacher, Sam now works with Just Imagine as an English consultant and manager of the year 6 Reading Gladiators programme.