Have you tried using directed drawing as a way to promote writing?
My students are always so motivated to write about their own artwork, so it's a win-win! Here's an example using chalk (credit for this cute project goes to one of my teacher besties who gave me permission to share it with you) but there's also a free drawing/writing download at the bottom of the post for you to try yourself!
DRAWING THE POLAR BEAR OUTLINE
Step 1 -Make the background. Glue the white paper to the bottom of the blue paper and set aside for now.
Step 2: Start drawing simple shapes as shown, with white chalk on black paper; students will follow along with your example.
Step 3: Next, use fingers to smudge the lines. Add more chalk if needed to make the polar bear white.
DRAWING THE POLAR BEAR FACE
Step 4: Next, switch to black chalk or charcoal. Draw a nose, eyes and lines for arms. Smudge a bit, but this time try to keep the smudging inside the shape. The very important finishing touch is one single dot in each eye to make a sparkle! Press hard for this part, but no smudging!
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Step 5: Cut out the bear. The magical thing about this technique is that cutting the bear out eliminates all the smudged parts and gives you a clean edge again. Apply some glue to the background made earlier, and gently press the bear in place over the background. Be sure the bottom of the bear lines up with the bottom of the background paper so it’s not “floating”. TIP: For younger students, place a piece of scrap paper over the bear so it can be pressed onto the background without smudging the chalk. To finish up, draw some snowflakes in the sky with white chalk. Your masterpiece is done!
MORE DIRECTED DRAWING & WRITING IDEAS
Use these cute drawings as inspiration for writing! Students can name their bear and write about its adventures.
Try more directed drawing and writing ideas! I use this seasonal collection of templates in my writing center all year long, or sometimes for my early finishers.
If you would like to grab a free sample of my no-prep Directed Draw and Write resources, just fill out your email below so I know where to send it!
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