Learning objectives
- To explore mark making using pencils.
- To create a simple observational drawing.
EYFS outcomes
Physical development
- Develop small motor skills so that they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently.
- Develop the foundations of a handwriting style which is fast, accurate and efficient.
- ELG: Fine Motor Skills: Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint brushes and cutlery.
- ELG: Fine Motor Skills: Begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.
Expressive arts and design
- Explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects to express ideas and feelings.
- ELG: Creating with materials: Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.
Characteristics of effective learning
- Playing and exploring.
Outcomes taken from Development Matters, 2021.
ELGs taken from the Statutory framework for the EYFS, 2021.
Before the lesson
Have ready
- Art pencils (HB or 2B).
- Paper.
- An item to draw (a small vase with a few seasonal flowers or plants works well).
- Presentation: Observational drawing (see Activity).
Activity
1. Bring the children to sit together at the table, with the flowers (or whatever they are drawing) in the centre.
2. Explain to the children that today they will be using pencils to draw an object. This is called observational drawing.
Use Presentation: Observational drawing to show the children some examples. Explain that observing means looking carefully, so they will look carefully at an object and then draw what they can see.
Presentation: Observational drawing
Display on your interactive whiteboard.
3. Talk about the flowers/object. Ask the children what they notice. What colour is it? What shapes is it made up of? Which parts are bigger or smaller? Is it leaning a certain way? Can you name the different parts e.g. stem, leaves, petals etc.?
4. Give each child a pencil and a piece of paper and ask them to draw what they can see. As they do so, encourage them to think about all you just discussed – Is it leaning the right way? Have they included all the parts they can see?
5. You may like to show the pupils how to use their pencils to create lines that are thicker or thinner, or darker or lighter.
6. When the lesson is finished, look at everyone’s drawings together. Notice that although they were all looking at the same thing, all their drawings are different because they were seeing the item differently.
Teacher notes
This lesson will work best in small groups rather than as a whole class.
Key vocabulary
-
drawing
-
mark making
-
observational
-
pencils
Prompts for learning
- What do you notice about the flowers (or chosen object)?
Observations
- Are the children able to use their pencils to make small controlled movements?
- Are the pupils able to use their pencils to draw with a purpose?
- Can they represent what they can see through their drawing?
Next steps
To use pencils to create observational drawings of faces.
Note any specific next steps for individual pupils.
