UPDATED RESOURCE! This resource introduces younger poets to figurative language devices (similes), and includes suggestions for extension and variations, so can be adapted for a range of grades, experience and abilities. Cross-curricular links include Visual Arts and Religious Education. Suggested thematic variations encourage students to consider the Christmas experience from other points of view, looking at Christmas in other countries and cultures, and also a social justice perspective. This resource is suitable for whole class instruction or can be assigned as individual or small group task. The Learning Sequence slideshows are included in two formats (.ppsx and .pdf), supported by scaffolding graphic organiser and card templates. For your assessment records, an editable class record, based on the Learning Intention and Success Criteria is included, as well as an editable task rubric, which can be adapted for your formative or summative assessment needs or student self or peer assessment. This resource engages students in real learning activities, rather than Christmas time-filling, The Five Senses poem format is adaptable to other topics, as outlined in the resource.

UPDATED FOR 2018 Explore line, shape, pattern, texture and colour and Advent tradition, in a creative countdown to Christmas. Use either a religious Advent calendar specific to 2018 is included, commencing First Sunday of Advent, December 2) or a generic, secular calendar, commencing December 1). Lesson includes art concepts to be covered, Learning Intention and Success Criteria, suggested media, links to online resources. sequence of learning activities with extensions, variations and challenges.’ An adaptable activity, popular with all ages, be prepared to print extras. Family and friends like to join in too. Smaller artists prefer larger squares, so enlarge to A3 size for the little ones!

UPDATED FOR 2018. This cross-curriculum resource for Religious Education, Literacy and Art includes the (Roman Catholic) Gospel Readings for Advent 2018 with key word or theme from each reading. (The four Sundays also include the traditional Sunday themes). The resource is suitable for out-of -school youth and parish groups as well as school classes. a printable PDF calendar slide is included (see cover image) as well as an editable PowerPoint slide. Suggested activities and supporting online resources are outlined on a separate PDF document. Suggestions for use: As a personal, class, family or group resource for daily Scripture readings, prayer, reflection and discussion through Advent. As Advent Journal Writing prompts. As creative Advent Art Journal prompts (or combine with written journal). Include realistic and symbolic interpretations of the daily readings and the themes., or render the keywords and themes in artistic lettering. (Graffiti style, bubble writing, calligraphy). As Advent Photo / Collage Prompts, either in journal style or as a single large display… Take or collect photographs representing the themes of the daily readings. As an organisational guide for collaborative or individual projects where groups or individuals are responsible for preparing a presentation based on each day (presentations may include drama or dramatic reading, music, movement, artwork, ICT elements, prayer etc).

UPDATED! The resource is now in two parts to facilitate printing of the window templates. Linking to Religious Education and continuing a creative countdown to Christmas, this resource focuses the artist on organic and geometric shapes, and warm and cool colours. The themes of each Sunday of Advent are linked to each window. Students can work on different windows, to create a class collection, or complete a set of four individually. Lesson Resources include a Learning Intention and Success criteria, links to useful online resources, sequence of learning activities, as well as a selection of extensions, variations and challenges.