One of my favorite things to do with children is teach them how to draw.  I begin by taking them through the process step by step.  I use basic shapes and lines.  I do one part and then they do it – following my demonstration.   While everyone is doing the same drawing – each one turns out very unique and individual.  It reinforces shape vocabulary, elements of art, fine motor development and spatial relationships to name a few.  This drawing lesson was built around a story I have been telling the class about a Native American boy named Two Feathers.

Materials:  Sharpies, cardstock (or watercolor paper) and watercolor paints.  I introduce the use of sharpies in a small group setting so that I can teach proper use.

Draw a circle for the head.  Add two straight lines for the headband.

Make two feathers by making a “pointy” oval!

Add two eyes and a mouth.
Draw a rectangle for his buckskin jacket.

Draw two smaller rectangles for the sleeves.  Add hands.

Draw a rectangle for the buckskin pants.  Add a straight line.

Using straight lines, make the fringe for the buckskin jacket and pants.

Draw two ovals for the moccasins.  Add the horizon line.
Draw a Native American home, sun, any details you would like.

Student adding details to drawing.

The final step is to watercolor the picture.  Using sharpies allows for this final step.