Introduction to drawing Notes, Quizzes & Revision

Pre-Technical — COMMUNICATION

Subtopic: Introduction to drawing

Drawing is a way to send a message without using many words. In pre-technical classes, drawing helps you explain ideas, make simple plans, or show how things work. When you draw clearly, other people understand your message quickly — this is useful at school, at the market, on the farm or when you are fixing things at home.

Why drawing is important for communication

• Shows what words may not explain well (e.g., how a machine part fits).
• Drawings like maps and signs help people find places (school, market, clinic).
• Simple diagrams help others follow instructions — useful when fixing things.
• Pictures can cross language differences, which is useful in Kenya where many languages are spoken.

Materials you will use (easy to find)

Pencil, rubber (eraser), ruler, coloured pencils or crayons, plain paper or notebook. In many Kenyan schools these are already available — you can also use scrap paper.

Basic elements of drawings for communication

• Lines — show edges and paths (roads, arrows).
• Shapes — simple shapes (circle, square, triangle) build objects.
• Labels — short words near parts tell what they are (e.g., “door”, “gate”).
• Arrows — show movement or direction.
• Colours — highlight important parts (blue for water, green for trees).

Simple steps to make a clear drawing

1. Look carefully at what you want to show (observe).
2. Start with light lines — draw basic shapes first (sketch).
3. Add important details and labels.
4. Use arrows and a legend if the drawing needs explanation.
5. Darken final lines and add colour if needed.

Example 1 — Draw a simple house to show steps

Follow the 4 easy steps below. (You can copy this on your exercise paper.)

Example 2 — A simple map to school

Maps are drawings that tell people where to go. Use clear symbols and a short legend.

Simple rules for clear drawings

• Keep drawings simple — only include what helps your message.
• Use short labels and a small legend for symbols.
• Use arrows to show direction or order.
• Draw neatly and use a ruler for straight lines when needed.
• Check that someone else understands your drawing — ask a friend to read it.

Short classroom activity (20–30 minutes)

Draw a simple plan of the path from your home to school (or from your compound to the nearest shop). Include:

• Three landmarks (trees, gate, shop).
• One arrow showing the way.
• A legend with symbols and labels.

How your drawing will be checked

• Are the landmarks clear and labelled? (Yes / No)
• Is there an arrow showing the direction? (Yes / No)
• Can a classmate follow the map to find the school/shop? (Yes / No)