how to keep kids interested

[gabymerediz]

hi. I know this has been touched upon previously, but I have a specific question:

I teach art to two seven-year-old twins. The boy likes to draw and does it in his spare time. The girl doesn't, but her father thought she might like it. I have given them maybe 10 lessons. Here is my problem: they are young enough that they still need to learn motor coordination. For example, they can't replicate a curve to the exact degree. At the same time, they are unsatisfied because they want to draw a "real-looking face".

A brief summary of my lessons (roughly) include: 1.) doodling and highlighting shapes with color 2.) various stages of copying lines/curves/dots/etc. 3.)making eyes, noses and mouths from the lines, curves and dots they learned about. (they are really into drawing faces) 4.) tracing photographs of people and coloring them in. talk about lines, curves, etc. used 5.) simplification and pattern--drawing turkeys using circles, triangles, etc. and drawing parallel lines in the tail and coloring in those lines. Also talked about blending colors in that lesson. 6.) overlap with shapes like circles. 7.) tried to do a 3-d box lesson. Didn't go so hot. kids having trouble keeping diagonals parallel, etc. I don't care but they can see that it's not "right". 8.) Back to faces--using guidelines for the center of the face, across for the eyes, nose, mouth. learning placement of features. 9.) learning about tone--shading from dark to light in boxes. Then, drawing the face and shading it simply--sides of nose, sides of face, etc. Using finger to help.

ok. that is a rough idea. i am sure i left some out. the girl told her dad that "drawing is not her thing" and, as he didn't want to push her, he let her drop out. she now joins us for 5 minutes every class. May have an attention problem anyway, but her drawings look just like her brother's and I give them both equal praise.

I think they are partly unsatisfied because if 1.) if I teach them the "basics" without drawing something "real" they get really bored and antsy and don't want to do it. 2.) if I teach them how to draw something real, they say "it doesn't look real"

I try to explain how if you wanted it to look real, you could take a picture, and how you feel when you draw, and expressing what you see is important. And I don't want to be critical of their drawings, but they can see when it is not exactly like the model, etc.

I don't want to teach them formulaic drawing without references (like, "draw a house by putting a square under a triangle). I know some of this is necessary, but I really want them to understand seeing. the boy now uses blind contour drawing in his normal drawings.

I really need lesson plan ideas that are challenging and really focus on drawing, while also allowing the students to be confident/satisfied with their own work. I have read Drawing with Children, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, countless others. One that I think is good (I used it when younger)--it is formulaic but relies on imagination rather than models--is Secret City. Anyone heard of it? Anyway...

Sorry about the long post. I just REALLY NEED HELP! Any suggestions welcome!

[Alan Cross]

I don't know but I get the feeling you are teaching above these kids heads or at least the girls...I would just give them simple lessons things to do that are fun....as time goes on your lessons can get harder but if you make them to hard now they will just give up.
Alan :)

[gabymerediz]

"don't know but I get the feeling you are teaching above these kids heads or at least the girls...I would just give them simple lessons things to do that are fun...."

I know! Such as?

[Alan Cross]

I would give kids that age just some nice bright colors and tell them to do anything they want.....as they work you can offer suggestions. Also a simple set up of stuff to draw is good like a ball and a bottle or something like that then when they get the shapes and can see them add shading then perspective, slowly build up what they can do....as they are at different levels you might have to do them seperatly...good luck. Makes me glad I teach adults.
Alan :)

[purplelizard]

I teach K-2 on a daily basis, and I feel like you are working over their heads. Rather than recreating the wheel, use crayola.com and kinderart.com as resources to teach youngsters. Get a feel for what is age appropriate from these sites. Make art fun! Many of my lessons have no planned result - we have "happy accidents" - we paint "happy" paintings after a discussion of happy events, and then a "sad" painting after we talk about sad things. (Actually, I do those in reverse - sad, THEN happy.) On the flipside, I have a WONDERFUL landscape lesson for kindergartners that is very guided (also appropriate for 6-7 year olds) where we look at Georgia O'Keefe, talk about taking walks on bumpy land, riding on bumpy roads, smooth roads, etc., then we create a very simple landscape. I have had more compliments on my current display - parents/administrators are awestruck and the kids learned a lot about art. They can't wait to take it home and share it!

The goal is to make it fun, interesting and a part of them, not you. I work with them on both product and process.

Feel free to contact me if you need more info/ideas. I have more ideas than years in my life!

[gabymerediz]

I teach K-2 on a daily basis, and I feel like you are working over their heads. Rather than recreating the wheel, use crayola.com and kinderart.com as resources to teach youngsters. Get a feel for what is age appropriate from these sites. Make art fun! Many of my lessons have no planned result - we have "happy accidents" - we paint "happy" paintings after a discussion of happy events, and then a "sad" painting after we talk about sad things. (Actually, I do those in reverse - sad, THEN happy.) On the flipside, I have a WONDERFUL landscape lesson for kindergartners that is very guided (also appropriate for 6-7 year olds) where we look at Georgia O'Keefe, talk about taking walks on bumpy land, riding on bumpy roads, smooth roads, etc., then we create a very simple landscape. I have had more compliments on my current display - parents/administrators are awestruck and the kids learned a lot about art. They can't wait to take it home and share it!

The goal is to make it fun, interesting and a part of them, not you. I work with them on both product and process.

Feel free to contact me if you need more info/ideas. I have more ideas than years in my life!

Thank you very much--I would love suggestions for more concrete lesson plans. the thing that makes this hard is that the father wants them to learn Drawing. This can include coloring, markers, colored pencils, etc., but he doesn't want it to be an arts and crafts class. We actually are still working on the face, and the boy (the girl hasn't rejoined) is doing great. Last week I had him copy some expressions on a simple drawing and talk about why that makes the guy look sad--eyes down in the corners, mouth down in the corners. We do a lot of talking like that when he gets stuck. And the boy said to me, "sometimes I like to draw the nose up here and the eye down here" (do we have a born cubist?) And just my luck, I had planned on showing him some picassos. So I showed them to him, some pre-cubist paintings, showed how Picasso didn't paint to look realistic, but painted how he felt. and then I showed him cubist paintings. And he cut up the pictures he did of the faces and pasted them together, a la cubism. He liked that. So now that I've made his father happy, I'm thinking of going backward a little and doing some easier stuff. Maybe the girl will come back to the lessons, too.

Sometimes when we do unguided, "happy accident" lessons, the kids rush and rush and don't really take their time, so they just make giant messes and don't feel like they are creating art. But I was thinking of doing one where you blow paint through straws to create a spidery looking blob, and making a picture out of that. What are some more lessons that are more guided? And I would love to hear more about the landscape lesson. Also, the kids do not love to hear me talk to much. They do just want to "get to it" without hearing the theory behind it.

[purplelizard]

uh oh - you've touched on my passion! I find that when teaching art to children, "enlightening" the parents is a part of the process!

Why is drawing important to this parent? It may simply be that's what they THINK art education is about. Arts and crafts are often mistaken for "real art education" - I'm very sensitive to this and I'm careful to include art history, perception and cultural issues (at age appropriate levels) as well as studio production in my lessons.

It sounds like you are trying to do this - looking at masterpieces, talking about them - comparing and contrasting two works is fun and very age appropriate - try talking about colors, shapes, lines - keep it simple.

Yes, this age group works VERY fast - when you understand how their school day is structured, it makes sense. "Finishing" is equated with "Free time" or reading time, etc. Early finishers, in the general classroom, are rewarded - sometimes unintentionally. I try to discourage this by having them look at their work - did they fill up the space? Did they color in an area in a rush - often I'll encourage them to go back over it. Can they tell me about what they did and why? Did they put in details (if appropriate)? When all else fails, I keep children's art books in my classroom for them to peruse, or I give them a short activity related to what they are doing. (Or they get to help me clean up!)

Kinderart.com has a lot of good drawing lessons. Mona Brooks (author) has books on drawing with young children. I have taught this method and it is very good.

Keep in touch! I will try to figure out how and where to post my landscape lesson - it is done in soft pastels.
:p

[printzessofthenorth]

Hi Gaby,

I'm not sure how long ago this was posted, but I just read this and your comments about the kids saying "it doesn't look real" struck me as a very familiar comment to newbies.

My mother-in-law has the same response. I've countered it by showing her pictures created by famous artists she has heard of...such as Picasso or others who work in a less realistic manner.

The point is to get her to understand that 'realism' is only one way to make art. I know you said you had this discussion with them, but maybe taking a lesson, or part of a lesson to look at some of these artists' works and have them pick out ones that they really like and try to make a work of their own in that style, might be helpful, to get them to expand their definition of art?

You could ask questions about the art as you viewed it together. This might get them thinking about the purpose of certain ways of depicting things...that there is a purpose behind different artists' 'interpretations' of things they see, then translate to the page or canvas. And that there are many ways of making art...realistic and ...well...not so realistic. :)

Anyway, hope you are having a more satisfying experience with these youngsters now. Good luck.

debbie

[Praire Rune]

I have to agree with Kristen, part of teaching children art is enlightening the parents. I take a gentle, yet highly energized approach to teaching my students art, whether it's drawing, painting, collage, etc. I teach K-adult and usually group the younger kids by ages 5-9. I let them know that there are many different ways to create art, or to draw for that matter. I am only showing them one way. I usually start class with an animal. Kids love animals. If I am teaching faces, then we start with a self-portrait or a favorite character from a recent film. I draw the first line, then they follow. We usually start with one eye and then the other, building the face of the person or animal, line by line. I mention things like, "Now we are going to draw a straight lying down line (horizontal) or a standing up line (verticle), or one that leans this way, (slant)." We get into lines that curve and circles, ovals (a circle that is a bit squished) and dots (colored or shaded circles). I'm constantly reminding them not to worry about getting it "perfect" and that their art may not look exactly like mine. That is all a part of being an artist even at age 7, that they will add or take away from what I am doing. There is no right or wrong way to approach art! Once we have a simple drawing sketched, I ask them what is happening in their drawing? Or what do they want to have happen? Is the animal or person outside? If so, where does the sky meet the earth (horizon line)? What time of day and night is it? That will let us know what colors to use if painting or using markers, color pencils, etc. What is happening close by the animal or person? Are there plants, trees, rocks? Is your person on the moon? In his bedroom? In a race car? I let my students, do their own thing. Kids love color, so I rarely do pencil only drawings with this age group. We have had a lot of success (kids loving their work, parents loving their kid's art and even awards won at local art shows and the public purchasing these works of art for $50 and more, from kids as young as 7!) by using color! Prismacolors work extremely well because they are forgiving and so vibrant (almost like a painting) when burnished. Some kids love watercolors and some love acrylics. Almost everyone loves Prismacolors. I gently remind and repeat during each class: where is the light coming from? Where are the shadows? And little bits on perspective. After awhile they do get it. But I am not worried if they don't get it right away. The whole point is to enjoy the process.

[kray417]

you should read the New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards

[Tangled]

Here is one of my favorite lessons:

I have several buckets filled with scraps of construction paper that were too big to throw away. I draw out a piece of paper in front of the kids and hold it up and ask them "what is this?" Invariablly someone will say "aper" or "a scrap." I won't really respond, but continue to ask each kid "what it this?" Eventually they will keey in and start offering ideas of what the shape looks like TO THEM, whether it's a boot or a dog's face, or whatever. Everytime a kid offers something new I say "YES!" or "right!" or 'Good!" just to encourage them to open their minds to the possibilities. I'll repeat the whole process with one or two other pieces of scrap. Then I ask them if anybody had a wrong answer. When they realize that they were all right about what they saw in a silly scrapp of paper, I tell them that being an artist allows them not to just recreate what they see, but to create a whole new reality. Then I will randomly hand out one scrap to each student. The must decide what the scrap is, glue it to their paper, and make a drawing incorporating the scrap. They all end up different, and I have had the best successes with the kids who are usually fast finishers. Good Luck!
Diane

[purplelizard]

Here is one of my favorite lessons:

I have several buckets filled with scraps of construction paper that were too big to throw away. I draw out a piece of paper in front of the kids and hold it up and ask them "what is this?" Invariablly someone will say "aper" or "a scrap." I won't really respond, but continue to ask each kid "what it this?" Eventually they will keey in and start offering ideas of what the shape looks like TO THEM, whether it's a boot or a dog's face, or whatever. Everytime a kid offers something new I say "YES!" or "right!" or 'Good!" just to encourage them to open their minds to the possibilities....
Diane


Yea! :clap: :clap: Love this idea, and it is a "budget stretcher", too! :clap:

[LJSoroka]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but I wanted to share on this thread.

Rather than actual lessons, my point of view is on the children themselves.
I have worked with about 40 kids in the age range of about 8-11 yrs old.
This I did on a regular basis for five yrs.
I think one of the most important aspects of their little creative brains keeping interested is Listening to them. If give the oportunity to express themselves, they will open the flood gates and let it all wash out lol

I have had sessions where I simply ask them... what would you like to create if you had any materials to use that you wanted.
You'd be suprised with what they come up with and how it inspires both them and me in our creative endevors lol

Blessings
Linda

[Jolanta]

Hi,
I teach basic drawing at home to students of all ages.Yes, it is extremely important no matter what age to keep it simple and have fun mostly. I did make some observations so far I like to share. Adults love to play like kids no matter what age. Kids have a problem to sit still for long time - they need breaks and streatchiing up from time to time. Very important observation-I found out very soon after I started to teach. When students are in the process of drawing they are unable to pay attention to what I am saying. This is great! It means they are in the right mood for drawing and they cannot listen to my speech. When I want to say something important I need to call for anybodys attention for a minute and say it so I know they will hear it. I always make sure to have some fun exercises and teach something important about drawing not just "let's draw" thing. In the last class for example it was "drawing with eraser" technique. Everybody got dirty all over after first few minutes making background with the graphite powder and charcoal powder. They were so busy creating they all looked like kids playing in mud. It's unbelivable. We drew a lamp looking at the real lamp but I gave them a freedom to change the shape of the lamp and we erased the light around the lamp. All was done only with erasers of different kind.
My students always amaze me. We laugh to tears. Of course I never know what to expect but they do so well I am just amazed what can be done with just making them feel comfortable, confident, relaxed - all this creative talents can be unlocked right away - I actually learn from my students - believe it or not.
Sorry - I can go on and on about it - I hope it will help some.
Good Luck!
Jolanta

[Jolanta]

Few more tips. Since I have different levels and ages of students I noticed they watch each other and compare. As soon as I see it I remind them we are here not to compete but to learn. We are all special but different and nobody is better or worse and I can see instantly the tension dissapear and they can relax and create and do the best they can. We do critique and I say this is not criticising anybody but an art critique we want to figure out what we love about it and what we would do differently. I make sure I will build up self esteem in everybody and always find something positive in them. I have one student with beautiful handwriting - I said " your handwriting is an art by itself". Another one wants to make a masterpiece every time she comes. I make sure she will come up with the drawing at every session. She framed few of her pieces already and is very proud of herself. If you can combine psychology with art you can change people lives. This is the best satisfaction I can get from teaching.
Jolanta
PS. The next class - we will make a viefinder and put it to work. It is so much to learn - life is too short to do it all!!!

[Reignboblu]

Here is one of my favorite lessons:

I have several buckets filled with scraps of construction paper that were too big to throw away. I draw out a piece of paper in front of the kids and hold it up and ask them "what is this?" Invariablly someone will say "aper" or "a scrap." I won't really respond, but continue to ask each kid "what it this?" Eventually they will keey in and start offering ideas of what the shape looks like TO THEM, whether it's a boot or a dog's face, or whatever. Everytime a kid offers something new I say "YES!" or "right!" or 'Good!" just to encourage them to open their minds to the possibilities. I'll repeat the whole process with one or two other pieces of scrap. Then I ask them if anybody had a wrong answer. When they realize that they were all right about what they saw in a silly scrapp of paper, I tell them that being an artist allows them not to just recreate what they see, but to create a whole new reality. Then I will randomly hand out one scrap to each student. The must decide what the scrap is, glue it to their paper, and make a drawing incorporating the scrap. They all end up different, and I have had the best successes with the kids who are usually fast finishers. Good Luck!
Diane


You know how I know that's a good lesson. The best art teacher I ever had (in elementary school) gave the kids that assignment.

Say 20 years ago. Great then, still great now!

I stopped in because I'm going to be starting teaching one class a week, soon and I wanted some ideads about keeping kids entertained, as well, great ideas folks.


I have some suggestions that have had some success No. 1 is particularly good since the kids like faces.

In the fall, take some big yellow delicious apples and have the kids paint silly faces on them (ones with glasses work well). Once the faces are on, hang the apples from a clothes line or other string, and let them shrivel up (they need long stems to hang them). Don't just dry them on a table, because they won't shrivel correctly. While they're drying, you can make silly clothes out of cloth or even paper or clay. when the heads are shriveled enough, you can glue hair on them or even eyes at this point if you dried the apples first. They aren't long-life art projects, but the results are usually great.

Second is acrylic transfers. A friend of mine teaches several classes a week and has found that the older kids (7-10) like doing acrylic transfers of photos onto stuff. Easy enough transfer process.

Take the thin lids that come in the top of glass jars, the metal ones, and under supervision let the kids use penny nails or a little bigger nail to poke holes in the lid in a simple pattern, say a star or smiley face, glue ribbon or buttons or anything you or they want to the outside including a loop to hang it from. You can also have the kids make a cardboard or paper back for it with another or the same design on it, if they don't like the back.

There's always sand art. Get some colored sand and some glue and some construction paper. drip or draw with the glue and sprinkle sand over it. There's always the possibility of a Native American Indian art lesson here as well.

[gabymerediz]

Thanks everyone for the advice and lessons! The only thing is, I really don't have the budget/space/need for anything that involves more than pencils, markers, colored pencils, crayons, etc. The most I have done other than that are blow-paintings with watercolors and a straw, and things with glue and string. Other than that, it is too complicated for private lessons in a small area. (and for only one child). But a lot of these lessons are easily adaptable--I would just like to hear more that can be used with any media (including pencils). We are working on 3-d objects now. He has overlapping down to a T and really likes shading/smudging with his finger. I am hoping to move to charcoals soon because that smudges so nicely--also, eraser drawing would be a great idea for that!

I'd almost like ideas of WHAT to have them draw, and how, such as guiding them through steps of drawing a cat and having them color it in with a pattern--although this kid doesn't like coloring or patterns. ugh.

[Jolanta]

In my personal opinion no matter how young is a child I would try really hard to teach real drawing not crafts. To me they are two different things. If you make it as simple as you can and use very simple examples you will be able to teach them fundamentals of serious good drawing which as we all know is based on values. Here is something you can try. Make them draw different values with different kind of regular pencils (hardiness) and you will teach them something very important about using different tools to make the job easier and how to make correct values at the same time. You can use very simple overlapping geometric shapes like on my first attachment.
Another thing to teach would be positive and negative space using very simple drawing of starfish - second attachment.Make them draw it with lines only, then darken the background, cut out the negative spaces, put them back together on color paper with the positive forms. They will learn that positive shapes share edges with negative shapes. After that they can draw scisors they were using to cut out pieces. By doing this they can learn about contour drawing using only line.
Another interesting thing is to teach them pointilism by drawing something very simple using only dots - with ball pen for a change.
You can give them banana and they can draw it, eat half of it and try to draw again with some of it peeling. They will learn and have snack at the same time.
I would give them simple line drawing to draw upside down - everybody loves it.
Another good example of value drawing is drawing of very simple house by just scribbling with another drawing tool for a change - attachment #3
There are endless different strokes which can be made with different pencils to compare - attachment #4
That's from the top of my tired head. Let's see if I can do attachments right.
Jolanta

[lorna12]

I have read this thread with great interest...thanks everyone!

I have 2 adult students right now and we are doing well, but I have never taught kids before. I will make my own post as I have another question I would appreciate help with, concerning kids.