Choose a simple object with clean, obvious lines, such as a box or cube. Unlike a curved, atypical shape, like a flower or human face, identifying the dimensions and proportions of a box is easier for a beginning student.
Discuss with the child the box's most obvious physical features. Ask him to describe the distance between two points on the box in relation to the furthest corner. Encourage him to identify only the lines and points that he sees, not ones he knows are in back or underneath.
Ask the child to draw the box one line at a time. Have her pause after each line and ask what she knows about that line. What's the angle of the line? Is it parallel or perpendicular to any other lines? How far apart is the line from the starting point or parallel line? These questions encourage awareness of spacial relationships and proportions.
Create bold shadows and shading dimensions by shining a desk lamp on the box from a side angle. Ask the child to describe the shadows and brightness of light, including the patterns of darkness around the corners and the shadow size.
Ask the child to shade his drawing of the box exactly as he sees it using delicate pencil strokes.
Repeat steps one through five using an object with equal, curved lines such as a baseball or mug before attempting anything with irregular dimensions, like a stuffed animal or jewelry.