3 Benefits from Using Directed Drawings in the Classroom
Drawing is a skill just like any other that needs to be explicitly taught. This is the first step in the writing process and allows students to communicate and express themselves. But what happens is so many students get stuck and say “I can’t draw” or “I don’t know how to draw” Here are my top three reasons why directed drawings are SO beneficial in the classroom.
1. Modeling simple directed drawings with SHAPES ONLY to gain confidence
Drawing isn’t as complicated as it sounds if you start to view objects as SHAPES. Lets say someone tells you to draw a duck on a whim, that sounds pretty tricky unless you’re naturally good at drawing. But what if I told you to start with a semicircle for the body, add a circle for the head, some triangles for the beak and feet and a smaller semicircle for the wing. It’s not as hard right? Teaching students they can start with shapes will allow them to gain SO much confidence in their drawing. The goal isn’t for them to always need a directed drawing, but it’s a great starting point or something to fall back on when they’re stuck. Sometimes you just need an idea for the spark to go off!
2. Listening and following direction skills.
If your entire class is doing a whole group directed drawing, there are some serious listening skills going on. My favorite way to read the directions aloud and have the students follow the steps orally. This gives them the opportunity to practice those listening skills and really tune into what I am saying. Plus the end results are typically hilarious and adorable.
3. It makes writing more fun!
Once you start directed drawings in your classroom, your students will continue to ask for more! What once was just a fun whole group activity on Fridays turned into a daily reading center rotation. My students were BEGGING for more and because of it they were WRITING more. I created monthly directed drawings that helped students learn how to draw seasonal items and the kids just took off with it! Now it has become a favorite center with detailed pictures and stories!
