We are artists BEFORE we are writers!

As any good kindergarten teacher knows, kiddos start scribbling doodling drawing long before they are really ready to write any letters. All those good drawings are so important! They convey meaning to the artist and to the audience.

When those kiddos (artists!) get to our kindergarten classrooms, we need to embrace their love of drawing. Most of them think they are pretty good artists and they definitely think their teacher is an amazing one. Now, I am NOT a good artist, but with a little feigned confidence my kinders are convinced I am the next Rembrandt.

I typically start Writing Workshop out with a unit about making STUFF. We make notes, lists, cards, recipes, postcards, posters, signs, books, and more. This has been a great way to start Writing Workshop--it makes it an easy transition into my more stringent requirements of bookmaking later in the year. However, over the summer I read about Mrs. Bell's drawing unit, over at A Place Called Kindergarten and decided (with my fabulous teammate!) to give it a try.

It is going great so far! The kids are LOVING our writing time. They are trying out all kinds of new drawing techniques, as you can see from the anchor chart I created with them. A bonus, especially for the beginning of the year, is that they stay occupied for MUCH longer drawing than writing at this point. This mini-unit helps fill our ELA time.

Here's the mini-breakdown of this 10 day unit:
Day 1: We Are Artists! Read No David, talk about how David Shannon is an artist AND a writer, just like us! Off you go to draw.
Day 2: We can draw straight lines and squiggles. We can turn them into things.
Day 3: We can draw faces. Model by drawing a student's portrait! Have the kiddos point out all the features you need to add.
Day 4: We can use shapes to make our drawings more realistic.
Day 5: We can draw people's bodies moving. This is tough!
Day 6: We can add lots of color to our work.
Day 7: We can add labels to help others understand our art.
Day 8: We can add itty-bitty-tiny details such as dog collars and wedding rings.
Day 9: Review!
Day 10: Celebration/Publish Day: Draw a BIG self-portrait on 12x18 paper with all those elements! Hang them in your classroom!

So go ahead! Give drawing a chance! Check out Mrs. Bell's awesome book recommendations and let your students put meaning on paper in this most authentic way--by drawing.