Guided Drawing of Ruby Bridges Plus a Technology Twist

If you read my last blog post, you know how I feel about the gift of education.    Ruby Bridges was one of many brave children who paved the way to end segregation in schools. I believe that my students can identify with Ruby Bridges due in part to her age when her parents responded to a request from the NAACP and volunteered to her integrate within the New Orleans school system.   This year, I plan to try something new when teaching about Ruby Bridges. My students do so well with guided drawing that I have decided to create a guided drawing of Ruby Bridges.

Usually guided drawing lessons take about 30-45 minutes.  I give step by step directions and monitor students as we go along.  I like my students to draw in pencil (no erasers).  Afterwards, they use a black marker to go over their pencil markers.  Finally, they color. For this lesson, students will make her bow out of construction paper and glue on after they have completed coloring the entire project. Here is a video giving you step by step directions of how to draw Ruby Bridges.   (My videographer was my 8 year old son so please excuse some of the shaking.) 

You could do the exact same lesson with your students using their iPads if you are 1-1.  Students would open a drawing app; I used Sketchbook and follow along as you gave them directions.  Once completed, they would save it to their camera roll.  Then, they could upload it to Seesaw and either add text or record their learning.  


 Please share with me if you use this in your classroom. I would love to see what your students create.

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Self Portraits Made Easy

I love how children draw themselves.  Each is as unique as they are.  I like to have my students draw self portraits several times during the year.  It is amazing to see their growth and development.

Recently, I shared my students' self portraits on Instagram.  Several teachers wanted to know more about them.

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Apr 15, 2015 at 6:47pm PDT

I have a little secret that helps keep these self portraits large rather than small.  I give them a starting point by drawing a u-like shape on their paper. This makes a huge different in getting a good sized portrait.

We complete all our drawings in pencil first; no erasing.  Depending on the time of year,  I may model and coach them on how to draw different features.  For the one displayed above, I gave them the paper and they completed them independently.

Students trace with marker before coloring. I try to emphasize that they should press hard as they color to get a bold look.

Here is what our self portraits looked like at the beginning of the year.

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Sep 23, 2014 at 3:47pm PDT

I think these are the perfect anytime of the year.  

Happy Teaching!

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An "Elf"tastic Freebie

Have you joined the elf craze? For the past three years, Elf has visited our home.  I admit that I am not as creative nor have the time as all the other mommas across the world.  So, our Elf sits on the shelf and watches. He brings us a few trinkets and notes as needed.  Luckily, I have a believer so it doesn't take much to make him happy.

Last night, we spent some quality time learning how to draw an elf. He was so proud of his work and wanted to share it with Elf.  We began with a simple template that I shared here.






I created a video guide for my Facebook Fans.  This Freebie will show you and your students how to draw an elf.

I plan on having the elf visit our classroom soon.   I think this will be a great way to begin our Winter break.


Happy Teaching!
 

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Guided Drawings of Pilgrims and Native Americans

For the past two years, I have completed these guided drawings with my students.  It usually takes two class sessions to complete them.  On the first day, we make Pilgrims.  Girls will draw a Pilgrim girl and boys will draw a Pilgrim boy.  The following day, girls will draw a Native American boy and boys will draw a Native American girl.  These become keepsakes for their memory box.  

Today, I am sharing my step by step drawings with you.  To complete the lesson, you will need about 45 minutes to 1 hour.  You will also need to copy a U-shaped smile on 12x9 white construction paper.  I have found that giving this starting point helps them tremendously.

I model each step with the students.  As I model, students draw in pencil.  Once completed, they will trace their pencil drawing with marker.   

Along the way, I monitor each student's drawing. Usually, I am giving directions specifically for the boys and then, directions specifically for the girls.  This means, students have to pay close attention.

I model coloring and limit what colors that they can use because these are meant to be realistic drawings.  

As a final touch, we color the background in a color that we did not use in the drawing.  This gives it a pop of color.  I love how they turn out and my students are always so proud of their work.  

I hope you found this helpful.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

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