Meaning of Drawing and Basic Drawing Techniques, Types and Basic Drawing Techniques for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Visual Arts and Design
Focal competence: Using different drawing techniques to create artworks
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Creativity and innovation; Respect
Skills:

• Drawing still life

Previous Lesson: Materials used in tie and dye and Make tie and dye design ona fabric
Topic: Drawing
Subject Matter: Meaning of drawing, Basic drawing techniques, Types of drawing

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define drawing.
• Identify the types of drawing.
• Explain basic drawing techniques.
• List types of drawing.
• Identify drawing media, tools, and equipment.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of collaboration in artistic activities.
• Show respect for different artistic expressions and ideas.

Psychomotor Domain

• Make a drawing of still life.
• Attempt a drawing of landscape and self-portrait using a mirror.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Cultural and Creative Arts for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Video on drawing techniques
• Pictures of various drawings (still life, landscape, portrait)
• Drawing donkeys or easels (if available)
• Drawing media (pencils of different grades, charcoal, pastels)
• Drawing tools (erasers, sharpeners, blending stumps)
• Drawing paper/sketchpads
• Still life objects (fruits, flowers, bottles, books, fabrics)
• Small mirrors for self-portrait practice

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in drawing, which is a core aspect of visual arts. Understanding drawing techniques and types enhances their creative expression and ability to observe and represent the world around them. It also fosters an appreciation for visual communication and artistic skill development.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students have basic knowledge of art forms and have engaged in simple sketching or doodling activities in previous classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Drawing

Meaning of Drawing

Drawing is the art of making marks on a surface to create an image, form, or shape. It is a visual language used to express ideas, feelings, and observations. Drawing is often the foundation for other art forms like painting and sculpture.

Basic Drawing Techniques

Basic drawing techniques are methods used to create different effects and textures in a drawing. These include:

1. Hatching: Drawing parallel lines close together to create tone and shading. The closer the lines, the darker the tone.
2. Cross-hatching: Drawing sets of parallel lines that intersect each other, creating a denser and darker tone than simple hatching.
3. Stippling: Creating tones and textures by using small dots. The more dots in an area, the darker it appears.
4. Scribbling: Using random, overlapping lines to create texture, tone, and form. It gives a loose and energetic feel to a drawing.
5. Blending: Smoothing out tones and colours with a finger, blending stump, or tissue to create gradual transitions and soft effects.
6. Shading: Using various techniques to create areas of light and shadow, giving objects a three-dimensional appearance. This can be done with hatching, cross-hatching, or blending.

Types of Drawing

Drawings can be categorised based on their subject matter or purpose. Common types include:

1. Still Life Drawing: This involves drawing inanimate objects arranged in a composition. Examples include fruits, flowers, household items, or bottles.
2. Landscape Drawing: This focuses on depicting natural scenery, such as mountains, trees, rivers, and skies. It captures outdoor environments.
3. Portrait Drawing: This is a drawing of a person’s face or entire figure, aiming to capture their likeness and expression. A self-portrait is a drawing an artist makes of themselves.
4. Figure Drawing: This involves drawing the human form, often focusing on anatomy, proportion, and movement.
5. Architectural Drawing: These are technical drawings used to design and represent buildings and structures.
6. Cartoon/Caricature Drawing: These are often humorous or satirical drawings that exaggerate features for comic effect.

Drawing Media, Tools, and Equipment

To create drawings, various materials are used:

1. Drawing Media: These are the materials that make the marks. Examples include graphite pencils (H, HB, B grades), charcoal, pastels, ink, and coloured pencils.
2. Drawing Tools: These are instruments used to manipulate the media or prepare the surface. Examples include erasers, sharpeners, blending stumps, rulers, and compasses.
3. Equipment: These are items that support the drawing process. Examples include drawing paper, sketchpads, drawing boards, easels, and donkeys (special stools for drawing).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Group Work, Individual Practice, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by “drawing” and if they have ever drawn anything before. The teacher then introduces the topic: Drawing.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions and share their experiences with drawing.

Learning Point: Introduction to drawing

Step 2: Meaning of Drawing

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of drawing, emphasising it as a visual language and the foundation of other art forms. The teacher shows examples of drawings from pictures or a video.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively, observe the examples, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Definition of drawing

Step 3: Basic Drawing Techniques

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates basic drawing techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, scribbling, blending, and shading on a whiteboard or large paper. Students are encouraged to try these techniques on scrap paper.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstrations, listen to explanations, and practice the techniques individually.

Learning Point: Understanding drawing techniques

Step 4: Types of Drawing

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Classification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures of different types of drawing (still life, landscape, portrait, etc.) and explains each type. The teacher asks students to identify the type of drawing shown in various pictures.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify the types of drawing from the pictures and listen to the explanations.

Learning Point: Identification of drawing types

Step 5: Drawing Media, Tools, and Equipment

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various drawing media, tools, and equipment (pencils, charcoal, erasers, paper, still life objects) and explains their uses. The teacher asks students to identify some of these items.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the materials, identify them, and learn about their uses.

Learning Point: Drawing materials and tools

Step 6: Practical Drawing Activity (Still Life)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided practice/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher arranges a simple still-life composition (e.g., a few fruits or bottles) and guides students to make a drawing of it using the basic techniques discussed. The teacher moves around to provide individual assistance.

Pupils’ Activity: Students engage in drawing the still-life composition, applying the learned techniques.

Learning Point: Still life drawing practice

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is drawing?
2. Mention two basic drawing techniques.
3. List three types of drawing.
4. Identify two drawing media.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of drawing, basic techniques, and types into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of drawing as a fundamental art skill. The teacher encourages students to continue practicing drawing at home.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Lesson recap

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Students should complete the following tasks at home:

1. Draw a simple still life composition of any two objects found in their home (e.g., a cup and a book).
2. Using a small mirror, attempt to draw a self-portrait.
3. Research and write down two other drawing techniques not discussed in class.

Lesson Keywords

• Drawing – The art of making marks on a surface to create an image.
• Hatching – Drawing parallel lines for shading.
• Cross-hatching – Intersecting parallel lines for darker shading.
• Stippling – Using dots to create tone.
• Blending – Smoothing tones for gradual transitions.
• Shading – Creating light and shadow in a drawing.
• Still life – Drawing inanimate objects.
• Landscape – Drawing natural scenery.
• Portrait – Drawing a person’s face or figure.
• Media – Materials used for drawing (e.g., pencil, charcoal).
• Tools – Instruments used with media (e.g., eraser, sharpener).

Differentiation

For slower learners: Provide simpler still-life arrangements with fewer objects and clearer shapes. Offer more direct guidance and one-on-one support during the practical drawing activity. Focus on mastering one or two basic techniques like hatching and simple shading.

For faster learners: Encourage them to experiment with more complex still-life compositions or attempt a landscape drawing from memory or a picture. Challenge them to incorporate multiple drawing techniques into a single artwork and explore different textures.

Suggested Lesson Videos

JSS1 basic drawing techniques on YouTube
types of drawing for beginners on YouTube

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure all instructional materials, especially drawing media, tools, paper, and still-life objects, are prepared and easily accessible. Arrange the classroom to facilitate both demonstration and practical drawing activities. Begin by engaging students with questions about their prior experience with drawing to build interest. Clearly demonstrate each basic drawing technique, allowing students to practice alongside you. When introducing types of drawing, use clear visual examples. During the practical still-life drawing, circulate among students, offering constructive feedback and encouragement. Remind students to copy the Board Summary notes after the evaluation. Emphasise safety when handling sharp tools like sharpeners. Check for understanding throughout the lesson by asking questions and observing their practical work. For weaker learners, provide simplified tasks and more direct assistance. For stronger learners, encourage more complex compositions and experimentation with techniques.