Free Expression, Drawing and Colouring with Confidence for Pre-School Level 4

Class: Pre-School Level 4
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Age: 5 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Creativity
Curriculum Theme: Creativity
Previous Lesson: Sand Collage
Topic: FREE EXPRESSION: DRAWING AND COLOURING WITH CONFIDENCE
Subject Matter: Free Expression: Drawing and Colouring with Confidence

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify what “free expression” means in drawing.
• Name objects they can draw from their imagination or surroundings.

Affective Domain

• Show confidence in choosing an object to draw.
• Express enjoyment during drawing and colouring activities.

Psychomotor Domain

• Draw any object of their choice independently.
• Colour their drawings neatly, staying within the lines.

Social Domain

• Participate actively in the drawing and colouring activity.
• Share their finished artwork with classmates.

Reference Materials

• NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 4.
• Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
• Early years creativity workbooks.

Instructional Materials

• Plain drawing paper
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Crayons (various colours)
• Examples of simple, freely drawn objects (e.g., a house, a tree, a flower, a car)
• Whiteboard or chart paper for demonstration

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is crucial for developing pupils’ self-expression, fine motor skills, and creativity. By allowing children to freely choose what they draw and encouraging confidence, it fosters a sense of independence and self-worth, which are vital for their overall development at this age. It also helps them to explore their imagination and translate their thoughts into visual forms.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have some prior experience holding pencils and crayons, recognising basic colours, and have engaged in simple drawing or scribbling activities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FREE EXPRESSION: DRAWING AND COLOURING WITH CONFIDENCE

Free expression means drawing what you want to draw, what you feel, or what you see in your mind. It means you are the boss of your drawing!

When we draw and colour with confidence, it means we are brave to try. We are not afraid to make mistakes, and we believe we can make something beautiful.

Drawing with Confidence

• Think of something you like: a house, a tree, a sun, a car, an animal, or even yourself!
• Hold your pencil gently.
• Start drawing your chosen object. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, just try your best.
• You can draw big or small, just have fun!

Colouring with Confidence

• Choose your favourite colours for your drawing.
• Hold your crayon correctly.
• Try to colour inside the lines of your drawing.
• Fill the spaces nicely with colour, so your picture looks bright and happy.

Key Words

• Free – You choose what to do.
• Expression – Showing what you think or feel.
• Draw – To make pictures with a pencil.
• Colour – To add colours to a drawing.
• Confidence – Believing in yourself and being brave to try.

What the Teacher Should Show or Draw

• Demonstrate how to hold a pencil and crayon correctly.
• Draw a very simple object (e.g., a stick figure, a sun, a basic house) on the board, showing how to start and finish.
• Demonstrate colouring neatly within the lines of the simple drawing.
• Show examples of different simple objects drawn by children (or the teacher) to inspire pupils.

Drawing and Colouring Confidence Rhyme

Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”

Lyrics:

Draw a circle, draw a line,
Make a picture, oh so fine!
What you like, you can create,
Drawing freely, it feels great!
Pick your colours, bright and bold,
Stories in your art unfold!

Actions: Pupils make drawing motions with their fingers in the air, then colouring motions. They can point to their heads when thinking of what to draw, and make a “thumbs up” sign for confidence.

How to use the rhyme: Sing this rhyme before the drawing activity to encourage pupils to think of what they want to draw and to feel confident about their choices and efforts.

Watch and Practise

Let’s watch a short video about how to draw and colour simple things. Remember, you can draw anything you like!

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Practical Activity, Repetition.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Motivation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they like to draw. The teacher introduces the topic: “Today, we will draw and colour anything we want, and we will do it with confidence!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing ideas of what they like to draw. They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and motivated to participate.

Step 2: Explanation of Free Expression

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Introduction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what “free expression” means in drawing – drawing what they choose, what they like, or what they imagine. The teacher encourages them to be confident and not be afraid to try. The teacher sings the “Drawing and Colouring Confidence Rhyme” with actions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, ask questions, and sing along with the rhyme, performing the actions.

Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of free expression and confidence in drawing.

Step 3: Teacher Demonstration – Drawing

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to hold a pencil and draws a simple object (e.g., a house or a flower) on the board or a large paper. The teacher talks through the process, emphasising that it’s okay to try and make it their own.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, paying attention to pencil grip and drawing strokes. Some may air-trace along with the teacher.

Learning Point: Pupils observe the correct way to hold a pencil and how to start a simple drawing.

Step 4: Teacher Demonstration – Colouring

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: Using the drawing from Step 3, the teacher demonstrates how to colour neatly within the lines using crayons, filling the space evenly. The teacher reminds them to choose their favourite colours.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher colour, noticing how to stay within the lines and fill the area. They may name colours as the teacher uses them.

Learning Point: Pupils learn techniques for neat colouring.

Step 5: Guided Practice – Drawing

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes paper and pencils. The teacher encourages pupils to think of something they want to draw and begin drawing it independently. The teacher moves around, offering gentle guidance and encouragement, reminding them to be confident.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils choose an object and start drawing it on their paper. They ask for help if needed and try their best.

Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding to independently draw an object of their choice.

Step 6: Guided Practice – Colouring

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes crayons and instructs pupils to colour their drawings neatly. The teacher continues to supervise, praising effort and providing individual support for staying within lines or choosing colours.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils select crayons and begin colouring their drawings, trying to stay within the lines and fill the spaces.

Learning Point: Pupils practise colouring their drawings neatly and confidently.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.

1. “Show me what you drew today.” (Open class activity to prove learners’ ability to draw.)
2. “Tell me what you coloured and what colours you used.”
3. The teacher observes each pupil’s drawing and colouring for neatness and effort. (Individual activity to ascertain each learner’s ability to colour neatly.)

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate, showing their drawings and explaining their choices.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson by showing their artwork and discussing it.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Closure

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises all pupils for their effort and creativity. The teacher encourages them to keep drawing and colouring at home and to always be confident in their creations.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher’s encouraging words and feel proud of their work.

Learning Point: Pupils are motivated to continue practising free expression through drawing and colouring.

Lesson Keywords

• Free Expression – Drawing or creating what you want, from your own ideas.
• Draw – To make a picture with a pencil or crayon.
• Colour – To add different colours to a drawing.
• Confidence – Feeling good about what you do and not being afraid to try.

Differentiation

• Support: For pupils who struggle with choosing an object, the teacher can suggest 2-3 very simple, familiar objects (e.g., a ball, a stick, a circle) or provide a simple outline to trace before colouring. Hand-over-hand guidance can be used for pencil grip or colouring within lines.
• Extension: For pupils who finish quickly or show advanced skills, encourage them to add more details to their drawing (e.g., a background, more objects, patterns) or try drawing another simple object on the back of their paper. They could also be encouraged to describe their drawing in more detail.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have enough paper, sharp pencils, and a good variety of crayons for every child. Prepare a few simple, freehand drawings as examples, but emphasise that pupils should draw what *they* like. The main goal is to foster confidence and enjoyment in the creative process, not to produce perfect drawings. Encourage pupils to be brave and try, praising effort over outcome. When observing, look for active participation, independent choice of object, and an attempt to colour within boundaries, even if not perfectly. Remind pupils that art is about expressing themselves, and there are no “wrong” drawings when it comes to free expression. Manage the activity to prevent crayons from being broken or paper wasted. Encourage pupils to share their work and gently discuss what they drew and why, reinforcing their confidence.