Just finished this Value lesson study:
On a 9X12 have them draw 12 random lines with a ruler, sectioning the
off into managable angular shapes. Add two different size circles and one
overlapping the lines. We have a "beginner's drawing set of graphite pencils.
(Ranging from 6B, 4B, 2B, HB, F, 2H, 4H, 6H. ) Show them how each pencil has
a different value ( dark to light) and how each one can be used to make dark
to light values. Have them shade dark to light in each section of there
paper. The trick is to let the values( instead of the lines) define the
shapes. Dark against light and light against dark, alternating the values so
that each shape has the range of value from just one type pencil. The 6H area
will look lighter than the 2B , even though your drawing light to dark with
each pencil. Teach them to smudge the lines away with
their finger or a blending tortillion or "Splender", blending pencil. They
might complain in the beginning but this really helps when we start to draw
3-D Geometric forms.
Good Luck -Patti