Learning the Basics - Lessons
How does one compile Lesson One into lesson plans? That is where this book "got me" when I wanted to make lesson plans for my own children long ago, and naturally, share lesson plans with others, so let's give it a try.
First, let us consider the objectives or the topics of the lesson. The topics are important to keep in mind because that is what you are teaching. Thinking about what Lesson One teaches, then it seems that the objectives would be that the student learns at his level about the elements of shape - how to see the elements in an object, how to observe and draw the elements of shape, and finally drawing the elements in such a way that a recognizable object is drawn. That is what we will have on our mind when we are working on the lessons.
Some Lessons Below, repeat them as often as you need to meet your objectives. Be sure to read the pages listed ahead of time so you that you will know what you are getting into.
A. Introduction to Your Supplies - page 58-59
What child would not benefit from realizing that methods and techniques can help them? So have the supplies out, your book open at page 58-59, and go over the suggestions with your child while they try them out.
B. Introduction to the Elements of Contour Shape
(And this assumes that you have read all of the pages suggested under Read First.)
Have ready: A copy of The Five Basic Elements of Shape from Page 60
The children's art supplies (markers and drawing notebook or paper)
You are going to teach your children the elements of shape by telling them about each one and showing them by drawing one on the white board and letting them draw various examples of each element in their art notebook.
C. (Skipping the visual game for now) Random Warm-up - page 65-66
Have ready: markers and drawing notebook or paper and your element of shape chart.
Bring out your copy of The Five Basic Elements of Shape and quickly go over each one. After that, have your children do the Random Warm-up described on pages 65-66. The random warm-up looks kind of fun if you ask me and no one did.
D. Duplication Warm-up - page 66
(Can choose from drawing 1a files1 at older, younger or make copies of pages 44-45)
Have ready the markers, the duplication warm-up papers, and your elements chart. This time cover the names of the elements and see if the children can tell you what they are: dot, circle, straight line, curved line, and angle line. If not, help them out. Then bring out the duplication warm-ups.
E. Matching Warm-up - page 66-67
You will need to make a set of the matching warm-ups for each child. Have your elements of contour shape chart ready and as usual, go over with the children. Then do your matching warm-up worksheets. If this lesson is too short, repeat a duplication warm-up since it is on the same "observation" theme.
F. Mirror Image Warm-up - page 67
(Can choose from mirror image files1 at drawing 1a or make copies of pages 69)
Skip going over the shapes today unless you think your children need the reminder. Go over what you want your students to do. Show them how to do the mirror image drawing on your white board if you think it will help them, then start the work.
G. Abstract Design Warm-up - pages 68-75
If your children have forgotten the elements of contour shape, then go over them before starting this lesson. Your children will be following your verbal directions in this lesson, which is a nice bonus skill. Have them get their supplies (or you get them) and have them listen to you while you give directions on the abstract design warm-up. The directions are given in the book in a list. The child should listen, then do, then you read the next direction on the list - they listen, then do -and so on.
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H. Abstract Design Collage - described on page 74
See page 74 and look at figure 1.10. You might need to make up a list of elements to draw on the pieces unless you want to give the student free reign in this particular lesson.
Before Starting Wow! I Can Draw!
I. Visual Games
Before the next section, let's back up to the visual games that are on page 64-65. If you had been doing the games all along, skip this or do them again. What we want to do is make sure the student can locate the elements of contour shape in real items. If you need ideas, you can find them in the book under the descriptions of the five elements on pages 62-64.
J. Wow! I can Draw!, Part 1, pages 75-76
Read the introduction on page 75 so you can explain this exercise to your student.
You will need a copy of the handout on page 76 and fine point markers. If you would rather make one, then feel free to print any of my blank grid files. There is one pictured to the right, it is a 4 x 5 grid. If you prefer a 4 x 4 grid, there is one on this web page: Grids
K. Wow! I can Draw!, Part 2, pages 75-79
Read the instructions and the step by step. This one starts near the bottom of page 75 and goes through 76. Have the drawing supplies ready and do this lesson.
This is the last lesson of Lesson One. How did everyone do? Did we meet our objectives? If not, should we repeat any of the lessons?
Donna Young, June 15, 2009
Notes and References
Page numbers are based on the book published in 1996.
1A note about using my printables in Drawing 1a for this class:- For your Drawing with Children class, you do not have to follow my guidelines for evaluating the duplication warm-up. My printables at draw 1a are evaluated for a different objective (line shape and direction in a space).
2 I quoted Mona Brookes, last paragraph, page 74
