Teacher skills video: Tone

This Art and design video supports teachers in delivering a lesson on tonal shading, introducing learners to the concept of tone and its importance in creating depth, contrast and form in art. The video explores how tonal variation helps make two-dimensional drawings appear three-dimensional, guiding teachers in modelling techniques such as shading, gradation and observational drawing. It also encourages monochromatic activities to help children focus on tone without the distraction of multiple colours.

This video is part of Kapow’s Art and design resources, which support the Cambridge Primary Art & Design framework. It helps teachers feel confident teaching tone as a key element of drawing and painting, while encouraging learners to experiment, observe and refine their use of light and dark. As part of the Drawing: Tone and texture unit, this lesson builds essential skills in tonal awareness, setting the stage for more expressive and realistic artwork.

Art and design, Stage 2, Unit 1: Drawing: Tone and texture, Lesson 3: Exploring Tonal Shading