Lesson 1: See like an artist

• Presentation: See like an artist.
• Presentation: Discussion.
• Flowers, plants or leaves.
• Visual journals.
• Drawing pencils.

Subject knowledge

In addition to the materials described in Teacher skills video: Drawing materials, teachers can also integrate tools such as pens, markers and fibre-tipped pens into the lessons in this unit. Learners are likely familiar with these materials, and they can encourage creativity and experimentation. Erasers are also important tools, not only for correcting mistakes but for exploring mark making by removing material from the page. Teachers may wish to have a range of these materials available for learners to try throughout these lessons.

Lesson organisation

Providing real-life objects for learners to draw gives them a richer drawing experience. Seeing and feeling objects in three-dimensional form will encourage them to use their sense of touch, which will support their drawing. Alternatively, printable visuals are available in the Activity: Plant images.

Take the learning further

• Provide a mix of small objects (e.g. leaves, shells, pebbles, buttons, toy bricks). Ask learners to group them by shape (round, square, pointed, curved) and sketch one from each group. They could label each with the shape they noticed first.
• Ask learners to return to the same plant or photo from the Main event and sketch it again, but from a different angle or rotated position. This encourages fresh observation and reinforces the idea that shape and form change with viewpoint.
• Challenge learners to select one part of their plant or photo, for example, a single leaf, petal or stem, and draw it larger, filling the page. Ask learners if they notice new shapes, lines and textures they may have missed.

Language extension

For further challenge, learners could be encouraged to explore additional words linked to this topic: outline; contour; simplify.