New
New
Sketchbook research: insect, animal and bird studies and designs
I can observe and sketch insect, animal, or bird features in my sketchbook.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Sketchbook research: insect, animal and bird studies and designs
I can observe and sketch insect, animal, or bird features in my sketchbook.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Using organic and geometric shapes for the basic structure creates a more accurate sketch.
- Different line styles can be used to create interest in a drawing.
- Applying tone and shading can be used to make an observational drawing more realistic.
- Using a photograph to draw from helps you to see details and shapes clearly, making it easier to draw accurately.
Keywords
Line - a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush
Geometric shapes - shapes that have uniform measurements and do not appear in nature
Organic shapes - shapes that do not have straight lines and are found in nature
Tone - how light or dark something is
Shade - drawn marks to show areas of light and dark
Common misconception
Pupils may think that shadows are always black.
Encourage pupils to cast shadows and to look at the tone of the shadow. Observe the tone on different coloured objects. Draw pupils' attention to the fact that shadows are not always black.
Use real-life references, photographs, or nature walks to observe insect, animal, and bird features.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Colouring pencils
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a sketch?
What is a sketch?
A coloured artwork
A detailed painting
Q2.What does texture refer to in art?
What does texture refer to in art?
Bright colours
Outline of a shape
Q3.True or False? A sculpture is flat like a painting.
True or False? A sculpture is flat like a painting.
True
Q4.How does shading affect a drawing?
How does shading affect a drawing?
It adds colour
It defines the outline
Q5.What should you do before adding details to a sketch?
What should you do before adding details to a sketch?
Add textures immediately
Use lots of colours
Q6.A sculpture is different from a painting because it can be seen from __________ sides.
A sculpture is different from a painting because it can be seen from __________ sides.
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Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the first step in sketching an insect, animal, or bird?
What is the first step in sketching an insect, animal, or bird?
Add detailed textures
Colour the sketch
Q2.How can you add depth to a drawing?
How can you add depth to a drawing?
Add more lines
Use bright colours
Q3.What does texture add to a sketch?
What does texture add to a sketch?
Increased size
Patterned effects
Q4.Why is observation important in sketching?
Why is observation important in sketching?
To finish quickly
To use more colours
Q5.Geometric shapes are shapes such as circles, triangles and that have uniform measurements.
Geometric shapes are shapes such as circles, triangles and that have uniform measurements.
