This archived Art and Design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils learn to ‘see’ like an artist by recognising the simple shapes that make up everything around us.

Children begin by examining everyday objects and identifying the spheres, cones, cylinders, and rectangles within them. They practise lightly sketching or tracing these basic forms, focusing on outlines rather than detail. Pupils will then go on a walk around the school, where they look closely for shapes in real objects and record them in their sketchbooks.

Back in class, children reflect on their findings and discuss how complex objects can always be broken down into simple shapes. By learning this skill, pupils understand that accurate drawing starts with geometry, giving them a strong foundation for adding detail later.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 3 Formal elements unit.

See more of our original Lower key stage 2 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Lower key stage 2, Formal elements of art, Lesson 1: Shape 1: Seeing simple shapes.