🎨🖊️ Herons Explore Street Art Through Sketchbooks and Style
May14th
This half term, Herons children have been immersed in an exciting Street Art unit, developing their creativity through sketchbook recording and experimenting with lettering styles inspired by famous street artists from around the world.
The children explored how street art can be used to share messages, challenge thinking and celebrate identity, while also learning how many modern street artists now work legally and collaboratively within communities.
✏️ Learning Through Experimentation
Using their sketchbooks, the children:
Experimented with bold lettering styles commonly found in street and graffiti art
Explored how artists use scale, colour, contrast and repetition
Developed confidence in trying, refining and improving ideas, rather than aiming for a “perfect” first attempt
This approach supports our belief that children learn best when they feel safe to explore, take risks and express themselves creatively.
🌍 Inspired by World‑Famous Street Artists
The unit introduced children to a wide range of influential street artists, including:
Banksy (UK) – Known for satirical stencil art that often shares powerful social messages
Shepard Fairey (USA) – Creator of the iconic Obey campaign and the Hope poster
JR (France) – Famous for large-scale black-and-white photographic portraits
Os Gemeos (Brazil) – Twin brothers recognised for vibrant murals and yellow-skinned characters
KAWS (USA) – Blends street art with pop art, toys and design
Lady Aiko (Japan/USA) – Combines Eastern and Western artistic influences
This unit beautifully reflected our school vision to Love, Learn and Shine:
Love – Respecting different voices, cultures and ways of expressing ideas
Learn – Building knowledge of global artists and artistic techniques
Shine – Celebrating children’s creativity, individuality and confidence
We are incredibly proud of how thoughtfully and enthusiastically the Herons children approached this unit, using their sketchbooks as spaces for exploration, reflection and creative growth.
đź”— Further Reading for Families
For parents who would like to explore this topic further with their children, BBC Bitesize has a child‑friendly introduction to Banksy and street art:
👉 BBC Bitesize – Banksy
