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Lesson 1: Planning the Mural and Drawing Animals

Overview

We will sketch an animal from reference, noticing lines, shapes, patterns, and textures. Students will understand what a mural is and how they can work together to create one. Students will notice, then draw, the lines, shapes, patterns, and textures of different animals.

Grade Level

1-5

Media

Drawing, Collage, Painting

Lessons In Unit

10

  • Unit & Lessons
  • Teaching Tools

Materials

  • Ebony drawing pencils
  • White drawing paper – 9 x 12”
  • Resource: color photos of animals

Activities

Step 1

Discuss what a mural is and choose a habitat for the class mural.

Step 2

Look at animal photos from this habitat and notice the lines and shapes that make up different animals.

Step 3

Have students draw a chosen animal, focusing on line, shape, pattern, texture, and drawing large.

Reflection

Students will talk and write about how they drew their animal.

What animal did you draw?
What lines did you use to draw your animal? 
What shapes did you use?
What kind of pattern or texture did you notice?

Sketchbook Prompt (Optional):

Look at your animal drawing. What patterns or textures did you draw?

Draw two large rectangles in your sketchbook. 
Draw a pattern or texture from your animal in each, filling the rectangle completely. 
Draw only the pattern or texture that repeats, not the animal itself.

Vocabulary

Mural, habitat, sketch, pattern, texture

Resources

Photos of animals