Pupil video: Four rules of shading

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Creating tone in art through shading

This Art and design scheme of work video introduces pupils to creating different tones through shading, which is an important skill that helps drawings look more realistic by showing light and dark.

In this lesson, pupils explore how to create different tones by learning how to control pressure and direction when shading. The video introduces two pencil grips: the detail grip for accuracy and the shading grip for broader, smoother tones using the side of the pencil. It demonstrates key shading techniques, encouraging children to practise even, gap-free marks and build up tone by changing pressure gradually from dark to light. Pupils learn how to rotate their paper for easier control and to work in one direction to maintain smoothness.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 2 Understanding tone and texture unit. It support pupils in developing their skills with clear demonstrations, practical advice and progressive techniques.

See more of our Year 2 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 2, *Updated* Drawing: Understanding tone and texture, Lesson 3: Exploring tonal shading.

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