Most of my life, I believed I couldn’t draw. In my younger years, I loved to trace and color, but I never felt that I could sketch or draw. I always seemed to be surrounded by people who doodled for fun. Since I’m a teacher, I’ve learned to compensate over the years, but I’ve never felt confident in my drawing ability. Then I discovered the magic of directed drawing. With simple shapes and alphabet letters, I can create easy drawings for kids that build their confidence and creativity. Look at some of the things I’ve learned to draw:
My Journey from “I Can’t Draw” to Directed Drawing:
Enter Directed Drawing! I’ve found this style of drawing to be the answer. When I use simple shapes and alphabet letters, I’m able to produce some really cute art. Now, instead of saying, “I can’t draw,” I’m now saying, “In order for me to draw something, I have to try hard and practice.” Growth mindset applies to all areas of learning.
The Benefits of Directed Drawing for Kids:
I’m also a visual learner, as are many children. I have to see it and do it to fully grasp a concept. Confucius was right: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” – Confucius. Directed drawing aligns perfectly with this philosophy, making it an excellent method for teaching kids how to draw.
The Connection Between Directed Drawing and Reading Skills:
Sometimes people are surprised that I recommend these activities as a reading teacher. I say, why not?! From an educational perspective, directed drawing promotes crucial skills that directly apply to reading and comprehension. When children engage in directed drawing, they enhance their listening skills and learn to follow detailed instructions, which are essential for understanding and executing tasks in reading. They also become familiar with recognizing and interpreting shapes and lines, fundamental aspects of handwriting, letter, and word formation. From a human perspective, directed drawings build confidence, foster a growth mindset, and provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. These positive experiences contribute to a child’s overall enthusiasm for learning, including reading.
Step-by-Step Easy Drawing Instructions, also called “Directed Drawing”:
Before I’m even ready to type up directions for the drawings, I practice each picture over 10 times. I spend time looking at the lines and shapes, writing out step-by-step directions, and practicing them repeatedly until I’ve found something that will be easy for kids to follow. Each easy drawing idea is 100% kid-approved!
Once I have a piece that I think will work, I try the directed drawing out on other people. My dear family* and students love to try them too. Then I go back to the drawing board (literally) one more time. My own friends, family, and students draw and give feedback on them too. They are my quality control group! *My family has gotten so good, I think they should use their nondominant hand!
Drawing Inspiration from Everyday Life:
I’m inspired to create easy directed drawings by everything: greeting cards, animals, crafts, children’s books, teaching themes, seasons, travel, and more! I take more random pictures on my phone of possible things to draw because it’s great practice and forces me to “think like a child.” One time we were in Germany and I purchased a children’s coloring book because I loved the way it was drawn and I don’t speak German!
Directed drawings help children feel like artists!
Tips for Practicing Drawing:
1. Practice each drawing multiple times, sometimes using a dry erase board makes it easier with less pressure to do it “right.”
2. Look closely at the lines and shapes.
3. Write out step-by-step instructions.
4. Test your drawings on others for feedback.
Build Confidence through Directed Drawing!
I believe having easy directed drawings is important because they fill children with confidence! Directed drawings give a starting place for children to learn to draw, which they can build from. Simple drawing activities inspire children to be more creative in the future!
Click on the links below to access easy Directed Drawing for kids:
Winter Animals – Draw A Polar Bear, Penguin and Reindeer
Spring Animals – Draw A Bunny Rabbit, Sheep & Peacock
Summer Animals – Draw A Sea Turtle, Shark & Crab
Fall Animals – Draw A Turkey, Bat & Owl
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You should make Winter animals.