Sketch & Share

Katie McFarland

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Sketch & Share Lesson Plan

Students will practice observational drawing by sketching a classmate’s portrait and develop public speaking skills through a brief presentation of their artwork.

This lesson strengthens artistic technique, active listening, empathy, and confidence in speaking before an audience, supporting Tier 1 classroom-wide social and emotional learning.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Partner sketch-and-share activity

Materials

Sketchbook or Drawing Paper, - Pencils (HB and 2B), - Erasers, - Colored Pencils or Markers, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Printed Peer Feedback Rubric

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Review the Sketch & Share Lesson Plan
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

Step 1

Introduction & Demonstration

5 minutes

Greet students and state the learning objectives
Show a quick sample portrait sketch and model one or two speaking points (e.g., name of subject, favorite feature)
Explain criteria on the Peer Feedback Rubric for both drawing and presentation skills

Step 2

Pair Assignment

2 minutes

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

Step 3

Blind Contour Warm-Up

5 minutes

Lead students through the Blind Contour Warm-Up to activate observational skills and hand-eye coordination

Step 4

Observational Drawing

15 minutes

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

Step 5

Sharing & Presentation

5 minutes

After time is up, have students swap sketches with their partner
Each student presents their partner’s portrait to the class in 30–45 seconds, noting one strength and one detail they admire
Classmates listen and clap to support presenters

Step 6

Reflection & Assessment

3 minutes

Hand back portraits to original artists and give them their partner’s rubric feedback
Facilitate a 2-minute whole-class discussion: What did you learn about observing details? How did it feel to present?
Collect

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Slide Deck

Sketch & Share

Practice observational drawing and public speaking by sketching a classmate’s portrait and presenting it to the class.

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

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

Quickly review each item so students know what’s needed. Point out the Peer Feedback Rubric link for reference.

Peer Feedback Rubric

Refer to criteria for:
• Drawing accuracy & detail
• Shading & line quality
• Presentation content & delivery

Explain rubric criteria: clarity of lines, proportion accuracy, use of shading, presentation clarity, and one strength plus one suggestion.

Demonstration Sketch

• Observe proportions with light lines
• Build up details & shading gradually
• Sample presentation: “This is Mia. I captured her bright smile and gentle eyes. I like how I shaded her hair to show texture.”

Show your quick sample sketch. Talk through how you observed proportions and shaded. Model a 30-second presentation about it.

Pair Assignment (2 min)

Sit in assigned pairs, facing each other
Take sketch paper, pencils, rubrics
Respectfully observe your partner

Assign pairs and have students sit facing each other. Hand out materials and rubrics now.

Observational Drawing (15 min)

• Quietly observe facial features & expressions
• Begin with light guide lines, then refine
• Add shading and emphasize one detail you admire

Set the timer for 15 minutes. Circulate, prompt students to start light sketches, refine proportions, then add details and shading.

Sharing & Presentation (5 min)

Swap portraits with your partner
Present in 30–45 seconds:
– Name of subject
– One strength & one detail you admire
Class responds with supportive applause

Signal when time is up. Guide students to swap sketches and prepare their 30-second presentations.

Reflection & Assessment (3 min)

• Return sketches & peer rubrics
• Whole-class discussion:
– What did you learn about observing details?
– How did it feel to present?
• Hand in peer rubrics for review

Collect rubrics after the reflection talk. Encourage honest sharing about the experience of observing and presenting.

Worksheet

Peer Feedback Rubric

Partner Name: __________________________ Date: ________________

Rating Scale: 1 = Needs Improvement | 2 = Developing | 3 = Proficient | 4 = Exemplary

1. Drawing Accuracy & Detail
Rate how accurately your partner captured facial features, proportions, and details.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4
Comments:

2. Shading & Line Quality
Rate the use of shading to show depth and the clarity and texture of line work.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4
Comments:

3. Presentation Content & Delivery

• Content: Clearly stated partner’s name, one strength, and one admired detail.
[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4

• Delivery: Clear voice, eye contact, and confidence.
[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4

Comments:

Overall Strength
What was the strongest part of your partner’s sketch or presentation?

Suggestion for Improvement
One specific way your partner could enhance their drawing or presentation next time.

Warm Up

Blind Contour Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes

Materials Needed:
• Sketchbook or drawing paper
• Pencil (any grade)

Instructions

Explain the Activity (1 min)
- Tell students they will practice observational drawing without looking at their paper.
- Emphasize: no lifting the pencil, no peeking!
Partner/Object Selection (1 min)
- Students pair up or choose a simple classroom object (e.g., water bottle, stapler).
- One student (or observer) looks at the partner/object and describes key contours while the other draws.
Blind Contour Drawing (2–3 min)
- Set a timer for 2–3 minutes.
- Drawer focuses only on the partner/object, never glancing at the paper or lifting the pencil.
- Observer may quietly comment on what they see (“I see your partner’s nose bridge…”) to keep them drawing.
Share & Reflect (1 min)
- Swap papers and compare the blind contour sketches.
- Prompt a quick partner discussion:
  - What details surprised you?
  - How did not looking at your paper change your observational focus?

Reflection Questions

Answer briefly below:

What was the most challenging part of this drawing?

How did this exercise help you observe shapes and lines?

How will you apply this focus on observation when we sketch portraits?