Activity 01
Whole Class Demo: Fill Tool Basics
Project your screen to draw a closed shape and fill it with one colour. Pupils replicate on individual devices, trying two more colours. End with a class share of results and quick tips on enclosing shapes.
Compare the speed of colouring digitally versus with crayons.
Facilitation TipDuring Whole Class Demo: Fill Tool Basics, pause after each step so pupils can mirror actions on their own devices before you proceed.
What to look forAsk students to open a pre-drawn simple digital image with a few closed shapes. Instruct them to use the fill tool to colour one specific shape with a colour of their choice. Observe if they can select the tool and successfully fill the shape without the colour spilling out.
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Activity 02
Pairs Race: Digital vs Crayon Speed
Provide identical outline drawings. Pairs time each other colouring one digitally with fill tools and one with crayons. Discuss differences in speed and ease, recording findings on charts.
Explain how to use the 'fill' tool to colour large areas quickly.
What to look forProvide students with a small worksheet. Ask them to draw a line from the 'fill tool' icon to its definition and from the term 'colour palette' to its definition. Then, ask them to name one colour they would use to fill a drawing of the sun.
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Activity 03
Small Groups: Warm Colour Challenge
Groups design a sun-themed picture using only warm colours via fill tools. Rotate devices for input, then present to class for votes on best use of palette. Note tool tips learned.
Design a digital artwork using a specific colour scheme (e.g., only warm colours).
What to look forShow students two digital drawings of the same object, one coloured with a limited palette (e.g., only blue and yellow) and one with many colours. Ask: 'Which picture do you think was faster to colour digitally and why? Which picture do you like better and why?'
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Activity 04
Individual: Cool Palette Creation
Pupils draw and fill a sea scene with cool colours only. Use undo to revise mistakes. Print or screenshot for display, reflecting on what worked best.
Compare the speed of colouring digitally versus with crayons.
What to look forAsk students to open a pre-drawn simple digital image with a few closed shapes. Instruct them to use the fill tool to colour one specific shape with a colour of their choice. Observe if they can select the tool and successfully fill the shape without the colour spilling out.
RememberUnderstandApplyAnalyzeSelf-ManagementRelationship Skills
Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teachers should model the fill tool slowly, emphasizing complete outlines before colouring. Avoid rushing past common errors like gaps in shapes, as these reinforce misconceptions. Research suggests pupils learn digital techniques best when they alternate between teacher-led steps and independent trials with immediate feedback.
By the end of these activities, pupils will confidently select enclosed shapes and apply fill colours without spilling. They will explain the fill tool’s purpose and compare digital and traditional media. Successful learning shows in accurate, speedy colouring and clear verbal descriptions of their process.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During Whole Class Demo: Fill Tool Basics, watch for pupils who click inside shapes that are not fully enclosed.
Pause the demo immediately and ask pupils to compare their own shapes to the fully closed example on the board, then correct any gaps before continuing.
During Pairs Race: Digital vs Crayon Speed, watch for pupils who assume digital colours match crayon hues exactly.
Have pairs place their digital tablet next to their crayon drawing and discuss why the screen colours look brighter or different under classroom lighting.
During Small Groups: Warm Colour Challenge, watch for pupils who think they cannot change a filled colour once applied.
Encourage groups to experiment with the undo button and refill tool, then share discoveries with the class to normalise trial and error.
Methods used in this brief