Unit Plan 19 (Grade 2 Art): Drawing Depth & Value

Focus: Use light and dark (value) and simple shading techniques to make drawings look more 3D and to improve craftsmanship and control with drawing materials.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students discover how artists use light and dark to make flat shapes look more round, deep, or 3D. Through simple drawing exercises, they experiment with pressing softly and firmly with pencils and crayons, and they practice shading one side of an object to show where the “light” is coming from. Students explore basic techniques like smooth shading and hatching and apply them to familiar objects (balls, apples, hills). By the end, they begin to see how value and shading can make their drawings look more realistic and show form.

Essential Questions

• How do light and dark help us make drawings look more 3D?
• What happens when I press softly or press harder with my pencil or crayon?
• How can I use shading to show where the light is coming from?
• How does practicing new techniques help me improve my craftsmanship and control in drawing?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Experiment with pressing light and dark using drawing tools to create different values.
2. Use simple shading techniques (soft shading, lines close together) to make a shape look round.
3. Show where the “light” is coming from by making one side of an object lighter and the other side darker.
4. Add a simple shadow on the ground (or table) to show that an object is sitting somewhere, not floating.
5. Describe at least one way practicing value and shading improved their control and craftsmanship.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr2.5b — Experiment with a range of materials and techniques to improve craftsmanship and expressive control.
  • Example: Students test blending and layering techniques in paint.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can make light and dark areas in my drawing by changing how hard I press.
• I can use shading to make a simple object look more round or 3D.
• I can show where the light is coming from in my drawing.
• I can draw a simple shadow under or beside an object.
• I can talk about one way my drawing got better after practicing value and shading.