Large-Scale Collaborative Mural
To develop collaborative creativity and large-scale art skills through group mural making.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Contributes to collaborative artwork
- Negotiates space with peers
- Creates within a shared vision
- Identifies own contribution
Materials
- Large roll of paper or painted wall section
- Varied paint and tools
- Shared theme or topic
- Reference images
Instructions
Roll out a very long piece of paper along the corridor or tape it to the outdoor fence. The sheer scale changes what children can do — big arm movements, large brush strokes, a sense of grandeur.
Establish a shared theme that excites children: under the sea, a rainforest, a space scene, our local high street. Share reference images. 'We're going to make this come alive together on our paper!'
Let children choose where they contribute and what they add. There's no assignment of sections — the chaotic organic nature of collaborative creation is the point. Watch how children negotiate space and ideas.
Teach specific techniques as they arise: 'You want to make the ocean look wavy — try a brush going up and down in a wave shape, like this...' Teach in the moment of need.
Step back and observe: who leads? Who fills gaps? Who watches then joins? How do children respond when someone paints on 'their' section? The collaborative process reveals social as well as artistic learning.
Display the finished mural prominently. Invite families to a 'gallery opening'. Children show visitors specific sections: 'I painted this shark! And Luca did the coral, and Amara did the bubbles!' Authorship within collaboration.