Sketch & Share Lesson Plan Sketch & Share
Tier 1 Art & Communication Lesson
30
Minutes
The Why
This lesson strengthens artistic technique, active listening, empathy, and confidence in speaking before an audience, supporting Tier 1 classroom-wide social and emotional learning.
Prep Work
• Review the Lesson Plan and Slides.
• Print one copy of the Peer Feedback Rubric per student.
• Arrange desks in pairs and ensure each station has drawing supplies.
• Set up a visible timer or stopwatch for the classroom.
At a Glance
Audience: 6th Grade
Approach: Partner sketch-and-share activity
Objective: Practice observational drawing and develop public speaking skills through brief presentations.
Materials
• Sketchbook / Paper
• Pencils (HB/2B)
• Erasers
• Markers/Colored Pencils
• Timer
• Feedback Rubrics
Lesson Instructions
1
5 min
Introduction & Demonstration
Greet students and state the learning objectives clearly.
Show a quick sample portrait sketch and model speaking points (e.g., name of subject, favorite feature).
Explain criteria on the Peer Feedback Rubric for both drawing and presentation skills.
2
2 min
Pair Assignment
Assign students into pairs and have them sit facing each other.
Distribute drawing materials and rubrics to each student.
Remind them of respectful observation and courtesy during sketching.
3
5 min
Blind Contour Warm-Up
Lead students through the Blind Contour Warm-Up activity to activate observational skills and hand-eye coordination. Emphasize not looking at the paper!
4
15 min
Observational Drawing
Start the timer for 15 minutes.
Instruct students to quietly observe their partner’s facial features, proportions, and expressions.
Encourage use of light sketch lines first, then build details and shading.
Circulate to offer guidance on proportion, line weight, and shading techniques.
5
5 min
Sharing & Presentation
Have students swap sketches with their partner.
Each student presents their partner’s portrait to the class in 30–45 seconds.
Note one strength and one detail they admire.
Encourage classmates to listen actively and clap to support presenters.
6
3 min
Reflection & Assessment
Hand back portraits and provide partner feedback rubrics.
Facilitate a discussion: What did you learn about observing details? How did it feel to present?
Collect rubrics for final review.
Sketch & Share Slides Sketch & Share
Practice observational drawing and public speaking by sketching a classmate’s portrait and presenting it to the class.
Teacher Notes
Welcome everyone! Today we’re doing a fun partner drawing activity called Sketch & Share. Explain that we will both draw and present our classmate’s portrait.
Learning Objectives
Observe and sketch facial features accurately
Apply basic shading and line-weight techniques
Present a peer’s portrait in 30–45 seconds
Teacher Notes
Read through the objectives. Emphasize the skills: observation, drawing detail, and presenting with confidence.
Materials Needed
Sketchbook or drawing paper
Pencils (HB & 2B) and erasers
Colored pencils or markers
Timer or stopwatch
Printed Peer Feedback Rubric
Teacher Notes
Quickly review each item so students know what’s needed. Point out the Peer Feedback Rubric link for reference.
Peer Feedback Rubric
Accuracy
Capturing features & proportions
Quality
Shading & line techniques
Delivery
Clarity & confidence
Teacher Notes
Explain rubric criteria: clarity of lines, proportion accuracy, use of shading, presentation clarity, and one strength plus one suggestion.
Demonstration Sketch
1 Observe proportions with light lines
2 Build up details & shading gradually
"This is Mia. I captured her bright smile and gentle eyes. I like how I shaded her hair to show texture."
Sample Portrait
Teacher Notes
Show your quick sample sketch. Talk through how you observed proportions and shaded. Model a 30-second presentation about it.
Pair Assignment
2 min
1. Sit in assigned pairs, facing each other
2. Take sketch paper, pencils, rubrics
3. Respectfully observe your partner
Teacher Notes
Assign pairs and have students sit facing each other. Hand out materials and rubrics now.
Observational Drawing
15:00
Observe Carefully
Quietly study facial features & expressions
Build the Sketch
Start with light lines, then refine & shade
Peer Feedback Rubric Worksheet Peer Feedback Rubric
Portrait Sketch & Presentation
Partner:
Date:
1 Needs Improvement
2 Developing
3 Proficient
4 Exemplary
1 Drawing Accuracy & Detail
1
2
3
4
Rate how accurately your partner captured facial features, proportions, and details.
Comments
2 Shading & Line Quality
1
2
3
4
Rate the use of shading to show depth and the clarity and texture of line work.
Comments
3 Presentation Skills
Content
Clearly stated partner’s name, one strength, and one admired detail.
1
2
3
4
Delivery
Clear voice, eye contact, and confidence during the 30-45 second talk.
1
2
3
4
Comments
Overall Strength
What was the strongest part of the sketch or presentation?
Suggestion for Improvement
One specific way to enhance their work next time.
Blind Contour Warm-Up Activity Blind Contour Warm-Up
Sharpening Your Observational Eye
5 Min
What is Blind Contour?
It's a drawing exercise where you draw the outline of an object or person without looking at your paper . By focusing entirely on your subject, you train your eyes and hand to work in perfect sync.
Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Pick Your Subject
Sit facing your partner or choose a simple object like a water bottle. Position yourself so you can see them clearly.
2
Eyes on the Target
Place your pencil on the paper. From this moment on, do not look at your paper and do not lift your pencil .
3
Draw the Edge (2-3 min)
Slowly move your eyes along the edges (contours) of your subject. Imagine your pencil is touching the subject's face as your eye moves. Draw exactly what you see, as you see it.
4
The Big Reveal
When the timer is up, look at your paper! It will likely look messy and distorted—that's perfect! Swap with your partner and compare.
Reflect & Learn
1. What was the most challenging part of drawing without looking?
2. How did this exercise change how you looked at shapes and lines?
3. How will you apply this focus when we start our final portraits?
