How to Draw a Penguin

While this idea is not novel in teaching children drawing techniques, it is new to our classroom.  In keeping with our recent introduction to Antarctica and learning more about the continent, I thought this would be the perfect time to introduce a sequential drawing lesson - and I must admit that the children's renditions are quite adorable!

As with most art lessons, I first demonstrated the activity during circle time.  Afterwards, the materials were set up on the art shelf:

Squares of white paper; step-by-step 'How to Draw a Penguin' booklet; jar with pencil,  orange and black markers.

A closer look at the pages in the booklet:

Ok, so how cute are these?

I love the sense of pride and accomplishment that is expressed having completed a drawing.  Providing students simple, step-by-step instructions encourages them to notice details while enjoying the process.  One student shared with me, "Thank you for making this booklet Ms. Sasha - if you didn't make it, I wouldn't have been able to draw a penguin."  I think I'll be making more booklets such as this and perhaps adding a writing component to future drawing works.  The possibilities are endless!