Start an After-School Drawing Club
Want to start an after-school drawing club? Here's a simple plan: session structure, supplies, lesson ideas and how to keep kids coming back.
Starting an after-school drawing club is simpler than it sounds. You need a room, basic supplies, a step-by-step drawing book for lessons and a simple session plan: a warm-up, a lesson, free drawing and sharing. Fun characters and a club gallery keep kids coming back.
Drawing clubs give kids a creative outlet, a social group and a chance to build skills. They are low-cost and can be run by teachers, librarians or parent volunteers.
Getting started
- Find a space. A classroom or library room.
- Set a schedule. Weekly, 45 to 60 minutes.
- Decide ages. Group similar ages if possible.
- Gather supplies. Pencils, paper, colored pencils, erasers.
A session plan
1. Warm-up (10 minutes). Quick doodle prompt.
2. Lesson (20 minutes). Step-by-step drawing together.
3. Free draw (15 minutes). Students work on their own ideas.
4. Share (5 minutes). Volunteers show their work.
Characters that hook kids
Fun, quirky characters make club members excited. How to Draw: Crusty Goobers features wonderfully weird, gross-out characters that get kids laughing and talking. Club members can learn the Goobers, then invent their own.
Keep it fun
- Club challenges. Monthly themes.
- Gallery wall. Display members' work.
- Collaborative projects. Murals and comics.
- Guest artists. Invite a local illustrator.
End-of-term show
Host an art show for families. It gives kids something to work toward and celebrates their progress. For more ideas, see collaborative drawing games.
Questions parents ask
How do I start a drawing club for kids?
Find a space, set a weekly schedule, gather basic supplies and plan sessions with a warm-up, lesson, free drawing and sharing time.
What do you do in a kids' drawing club?
Warm-up prompts, step-by-step lessons, free drawing, sharing, collaborative projects and art shows.
What supplies does a drawing club need?
Pencils, paper, colored pencils, erasers, sharpeners and a few drawing books for lessons.
More in teachers and classrooms, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Drawing Programs for Libraries: An Easy Kids' EventLibrarians: a drawing program is an easy, low-cost kids' event. Here's a ready-to-run plan with a step-by-step lesson, games and book tie-ins.
- Drawing for Sub Plans: A No-Prep LessonNeed a no-prep sub plan? A drawing lesson is easy for any substitute to run. Here's a ready-made grid drawing sub plan for elementary classrooms.
- Sketchnoting for Kids: Drawing to Take NotesSketchnoting mixes doodles and words to take better notes. Learn how kids can use sketchnotes to remember lessons, with easy icons to start.
- OT-Inspired Drawing Ideas to Try at HomeOT-inspired drawing activities you can try at home: tracing, mazes, big arm drawing and finger warm-ups. Fun ways to support fine motor skills.
