How can I use drawing to capture the shapes around me? - Lesson

Drawing is a powerful tool for capturing the shapes and elements of the world around us. To begin, children can be encouraged to experiment with a variety of drawing media, such as chalk, paint, oil pastels, pencils, and crayons. This open-ended exploration is complemented by observation and commentary on the characteristics of the marks being made, such as the thickness, length, and curvature of lines, as well as the way colours blend together. Inspirational books like 'The Dot', 'Beautiful Oops', and 'A Line Can Be' can guide children to make marks freely while paying attention to the lines and shapes they are creating.

Children can further immerse themselves in the sensory experiences of drawing by experimenting with the consistency of paints, using different mark-making tools, and observing the effects of natural elements like rain on their chalk drawings. They are encouraged to discover and draw shapes found within their Early Years setting, using the correct names for each shape. As children become more familiar with a variety of shapes, they can engage in shape hunts and use these shapes creatively to construct pictures, such as creating characters or objects with geometric bodies. To ensure their drawings are understandable to others, children should be encouraged to take their time, add details, and discuss their artwork, recognising that their drawings hold as much value as their early writing attempts.