Play gives pupils the freedom to experiment without pressure, reconnecting them with the curiosity and creativity of early childhood. By revisiting and reframing familiar activities in ways that feel relevant to them now, pupils can begin to see things differently.

See how you can include play and exploration in your enrichment sessions…

1. Offer pupils new perspectives that challenge their understanding

Pupils may already have ideas about what ‘good’ art looks like, which can limit their willingness to explore something new. Showing pupils there are many ways to approach a subject or material creates more space for inclusion and enjoyment, while encouraging them to explore new ideas and processes can deepen their engagement.

The following warm-ups are examples of exercises which can help pupils experience playful exploration. (Find many more on AccessArt here).

In Drawing with Two Hands, pupils explore making marks with both their dominant and non-dominant hands. The playful exercise encourages focus and opens up conversations about what we expect or value in drawing.

Deconstructing to Help you See encourages pupils to explore mark-making without creating a representational drawing, removing pressure around what the outcome should look like.

Drawing with Sticks brings energy and movement to drawing. Creating distance between the hand and page encourages pupils to make unexpected marks and embrace a messier creative process.

Feely Drawings encourages pupils to explore objects through touch rather than sight. Without the pressure to create an accurate drawing from what they see, they are free to focus on exploration.

2. Give pupils opportunities to revisit activities from when they were younger in ways that feel meaningful and relevant

Children are often expected to ‘grow out of’ activities like constructing, cutting and collaging, but these can be freeing and valuable for pupils of all ages to revisit. These activities can be made relevant by choosing themes that suit pupils’ age and ability. The act of making itself, gives pupils of all ages the freedom to use their imagination and have fun.

Feasts from Modroc is a playful way for pupils to explore and transform materials into recognisable forms. Through making, they experiment, solve problems and discover what materials can do.

Creating Repeat Patterns encourages pupils to make playful patterns through collage, using techniques inspired by professional pattern designers.

Creating Mini World Light Boxes gives pupils the opportunity to create a playful maquette of an immersive imagined world, filled with textures, colours and hand-built furnishings.

See how an artist creates playful Textile and Felted Sets of imaginary rooms, using maquettes to explore materials, develop ideas and imagine who might live there.