Ned Kelly Colouring Worksheet: The Legendary Bushranger

Description

Bring the dramatic tale of one of Australia’s most famous outlaws to life in your classroom with this Ned Kelly colouring worksheet. Combining art and history, it’s a compelling way to introduce students to debates around law, justice, and legend in colonial Australia.

What’s Inside the Worksheet

• A detailed portrait of Ned Kelly in his armour

• Rural / bush-style background elements

• Space to annotate or write a few facts or thoughts

• Option for extension prompts or commentary by students

Why Use This in Class or Home

• Engages students through a dramatic visual and a complex historical figure

• Encourages critical thinking: hero or criminal?

• Blends art, history, and narrative perspectives

• Great for pairing with historical documents, films, or literature

How to Use This Worksheet — Step by Step

1. Introduce Ned Kelly — share a brief summary of his life, context, and the controversies around him

2. Distribute the colouring sheet

3. Ask students to colour carefully — suggest using metallic greys and earth tones (for the helmet, bush, etc.)

4. Use extension prompts:
    • Write 3 facts about Ned Kelly’s life
    • Write a short personal narrative as though from Kelly’s perspective (just before or during the Glenrowan stand)
    • Prompt a class discussion: “How do different groups see Ned Kelly? Rebel, criminal, folk icon?”

5. Share / display student works, and invite them to read their narrative or choices

This Ned Kelly colouring worksheet is more than an art activity — it’s a starting point for exploring Australian identity, justice, and storytelling. Add it to your “Famous Faces” or “Colonial Australia” lessons and let your students bring history to life!