Matisse’s Magical Trail

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Matisse is a young snail who loves to create beautiful drawings with his trail. The trouble is most of the time people are far too busy to even notice them. It’s only when a child notices Matisse’s beautiful trails that his art is finally celebrated – and they inspire a whole class of children to get creative too!

English:

• Write a biography of the artist, Matisse. Maison Matisse has a helpful overview of his life.
• Could you write your own story about an artistic animal? What might it create?
• Look at the illustrations and think of some speech / thought bubbles for Matisse.
• Imagine you are the size of Matisse. What a diary entry for a day to describe how you feel and what has happened.
• Write a newspaper report about the discovery of Matisse’s amazing works of art.
• Think of some interview questions that you would like to ask Matisse (or Leo). How might he respond?
• Read along with this narrated version of the story from CBeebies:

Science:

• Write a report about snails. Where do they live? What do they eat? What adaptations do they have?
• Learn how snails move with this video:

Computing:

• Use art software to create your own works of art in the style of Matisse.

Design Technology:

• Could you create a 3D model or sculpture of the snail, Matisse?

Art:

• Look at examples of Matisse’s work. What materials / techniques did he use? Could you create your own versions?
• Look at ‘The Snail’ by Matisse. Use this as inspiration for your own picture of a snail or another minibeast.
• Draw some pictures of the world from Matisse’s point of view.
• Use washable materials to create works of art outdoors, like Matisse. Could you make your own outdoor art trail?
• Find some pebbles and use acrylic pens to decorate them.
• In the story, Matisse draws the outlines for pictures and the children decorate them. Could you draw some picture outlines and then ask a friend to colour them?
• At the end of the story, Matisse draws some pictures of himself. Could you create your own illustrations of him? Use different materials and techniques to create a number of pictures.
• How many different colours can you find in the illustrations. How many different tints and shades of the same colour are there?

Music:

• Compose some music to play at an art gallery that displays Matisse’s work.

Geography:

• Look on a map and find places that might be suitable for an outdoor art trail.

History:

• Create a timeline that shows the main events in Matisse’s life. You can learn more about Matisse at Tate Kids. This Youtube video also has some helpful information:

PSHE:

• Imagine you had a shy friend with an incredible talent. How could you help to build their confidence?