Directed Drawing in the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide
Directed drawing is a step-by-step drawing lesson that builds listening, sequencing and confidence. A teacher's guide to running it well in class.
Directed drawing is a step-by-step drawing lesson where the teacher models each step and students follow along. It builds listening, sequencing, fine motor skills and confidence, since almost every student ends up with a drawing they are proud of. It also makes a great springboard for writing.
Directed drawing has become a favorite in early elementary classrooms. Done well, it is one of the most reliable ways to give every student a creative success.
Why directed drawing works
- Listening and following directions. Students follow one step at a time.
- Sequencing. Each step builds on the last.
- Fine motor practice. Lines, curves and shapes.
- Confidence. Everyone finishes with a recognizable drawing.
- Writing springboard. Students write about what they drew.
How to run a lesson
1. Prepare. Practise the drawing yourself first.
2. Model big. Draw on the board or under a document camera.
3. One step at a time. Wait for everyone before moving on.
4. Use shape words. "Draw a big oval for the body."
5. Encourage personal touches. Hats, backgrounds, expressions.
6. Color and write. Add color, then a sentence or story.
Dinosaurs: a classroom favorite
Dinosaurs are a reliable hit in classrooms. How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs shows each dinosaur in six steps, with a light gray outline of the finished drawing on every step so students can plan their size. Teachers can project a page and lead the class step by step.
Make it creative
Avoid identical drawings by encouraging changes: "Give your dinosaur a hat," "Draw what it is eating," "Put it somewhere surprising."
Writing extensions
- Write a name and three facts about the dinosaur.
- Write a story about the dinosaur's day.
- Write a speech bubble.
Differentiation
- Provide a traced outline for students who need it.
- Offer extra challenges for fast finishers.
For balancing guided and free drawing, see does step-by-step drawing kill creativity?.
Questions parents ask
What is directed drawing?
A step-by-step drawing lesson where the teacher models each step and students follow, often used in early elementary classrooms.
What are the benefits of directed drawing?
It builds listening, sequencing, fine motor skills and confidence, and works well as a writing prompt.
How do you make directed drawing creative?
Encourage personal touches like hats, backgrounds, expressions and settings, and follow up with free drawing.
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