This unit has been fully revised for 2026
Sequence of Learning for Teachers
In this unit of work children learn about the jungle paintings of the French artist Henri Rousseau. This provides an opportunity for children to practise and consolidate their observational drawing skills and teaches them techniques for drawing animals and making simple animal sculptures using egg cartons. For the creative outcome they are taught how artists use layering in their paintings to create a sense of depth, and they apply this knowledge to create mixed media composition based on the jungle paintings of Henri Rousseau.

This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following four convergent task sessions:
• Session 1: Jungle Foliage (If time permits, the activities in this session can be delivered over two lessons)
• Session 2: Drawing Animals
• Session 3: Animal Emojis
• Session 4: Egg Box Animals

Creative Outcome (Divergent task) – Rosseau in the Jungle
The unit of work completes with the creative outcome (divergent task) activity that can be delivered over two or more sessions. These sessions can also be used for children to complete activities from sessions 1-4. For the creative outcome Children create a mixed media composition based on the jungle paintings of Henri Rousseau. They learn how artists use layering to create a sense of depth in their paintings and apply this knowledge to create layers using different mediums in their composition. They create a painted background layer and then use collage technique to add layers of foliage and simple egg-cup sculptures to create their final composition. Once this is complete, children paint and add a decorative frame demonstrating their knowledge of creating repeated patterns.
The creative outcome activity provides an opportunity for children to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding from previous sessions in this unit of work. Through the creative outcome children will develop their creativity and understanding of the creative process by combining their imagination with the knowledge they have acquired.
Each Unit of work consists of:
• Comprehensive medium-term planning that details the learning journey, resources, vocabulary development and links to online learning.
• Separate lesson presentations for each teaching session.
• Additional presentations linked to learning within the unit.
• Photocopiable resources to support teaching within the unit.
• Advice on challenge and support in art and design.
• Assessment statements: Keeping up with the curriculum.

In addition to the above, each unit also includes a downloadable primary progression map for art and design (curriculum pathway) and an extensive vocabulary list. Combining and sequencing Art Academy units of work allows schools to create a scheme of work for art and design from key stage 1 to the end of key stage 2.