Drawing with Children Encouragement Again

"If people are dissatisfied with their ability to draw realistically, they should understand that drawing is a teachable subject. With practice and study, they can achieve success."
Drawing with Children, page 11

Every year I try to read the opening sections of the Drawing with Children book. It always inspires me to keep on working with my boys and their drawing skills. I also find little nuggets of wisdom about the learning to draw process and I find ways to encourage my children as well as others through my blog.

"It's interesting to note that when people accomplish something they never thought they could do, it changes their belief system."
Drawing with Children, page 9

I find that quote to be so exciting and encouraging. I think it applies not only to drawing, but to all aspects of our life.

And if you need a little more encouragement to make art a regular part of your homeschooling, here is a quote from page 9, "School districts began doing studies to show that control groups of students given the Monart training were scoring better in reading, writing, and math at the end of the year."

Aren't we glad we homeschool our children so we can use the Drawing with Children plans in our homeschool week? I know that since I started putting art on the schedule and sticking to it each week, my boys have a better attitude about their other subjects.

"There is no right or wrong way to draw."
Drawing with Children, page 8

I have been keeping track of a few families that are attempting to use this book for the first time this year and I see them struggling. I think it is a matter of realizing that a few minutes drawing each week is like a breath of fresh air. It clears the cobwebs and refreshes the spirit. Isn't that part of the reason we homeschool? Don't we want to provide things that public schools neglect or never seem to have time for? It takes effort and fortitude to push aside a more academic subject or one that we feel more comfortable teaching and actually pull out the pencils and paper and get started with drawing. This doesn't have to be an *all or nothing* situation. If a week slips by without time for art, push it to the top one day the next week. Have a few minutes for art at the beginning of the day or take a few minutes after lunch to squeeze in a bit of art time.

I have found that over the years it has helped to make drawing a part of other subjects. I try to include some drawing in science and history assignments. Would you like to see a few samples from this year? Remember my boys have been through the Drawing with Children book several times and have used Mark Kistler's Draw Squad twice. This is where you can be in a year or two if you stick with it.

History study


Science study

Lab chart from donnayoung.org


My children may never be great artists but there is much enjoyment and refreshment in spending a few minutes sketching each week. Practice and patience are needed to progress but great leaps can be made if you follow the plans in Drawing with Children.

Here are some links to Drawing with Children ideas you may enjoy:
My plans to use Drawing with Children on Squidoo
Drawing with Children-A Helping Hand
Drawing with Children-The Myths

Barb-Harmony Art Mom