Last week at the International Reading Association Conference, attendees were treated to a delightful keynote by the renowned children’s author and illustrator, Mo Willems. Known for his beloved books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and the “Elephant and Piggie” series, Willems captivated the audience not only with his humor but also with a generous invitation: “I invite you to infringe on my copyright. PLEASE teach your students to draw the characters from my books!” He then proceeded to guide everyone in drawing his famous Pigeon character, proving how simple and engaging Guided Drawing can be.
Mo Willems’ enthusiastic encouragement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of guided drawing – a fantastic method for fostering creativity and artistic skills in individuals of all ages, especially children. This experience inspired many, including myself, to bring the joy of guided drawing into classrooms and homes.
What is Guided Drawing and Why is it Effective?
Guided drawing is a step-by-step approach to drawing, where an instructor leads participants through the process of creating an image. It breaks down complex shapes into simpler, manageable steps, making drawing accessible even for those who believe they “can’t draw.” This method is particularly effective for:
- Building Confidence: By following clear instructions and achieving successful results, individuals gain confidence in their artistic abilities.
- Developing Fine Motor Skills: The act of drawing, especially with guidance, helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
- Enhancing Visual Literacy: Guided drawing encourages observation and the understanding of shapes and forms, contributing to visual literacy.
- Promoting Creativity: While following steps, there’s still room for personal expression through coloring, shading, and adding unique details to the final drawing.
- Making Art Accessible: Guided drawing eliminates the intimidation factor often associated with art, making it enjoyable and achievable for everyone.
My Guided Drawing Experience Inspired by Mo Willems
Inspired by Mo Willems’ session, I couldn’t wait to introduce guided drawing to my students using his charming characters. First, we immersed ourselves in the world of Mo Willems by reading several of his books. The children were instantly captivated by Pigeon, Elephant, and Piggie’s humorous adventures, eagerly requesting repeated readings – a testament to Willems’ storytelling magic.
Following our Mo Willems book marathon, it was time for the art lesson. Equipped with clipboards and black markers, we started with the famous Pigeon. Using Mo Willems’ simple instructions as a guide, I led the class step-by-step. The result? A room full of proud young artists holding up their own Pigeon drawings!
Building on this success, we ventured into drawing Piggie. Using a picture of Piggie from We Are In A Book!, I broke down the character into even simpler steps. It was truly amazing to witness how children, guided with clear and understandable instructions, could recreate these beloved characters.
Free Guided Drawing Resources for Mo Willems’ Characters
Want to try guided drawing with Mo Willems’ characters yourself? You’re in luck! I’m sharing my guided drawing instructions for the Pigeon, Piggie, and Elephant characters for free! These resources will help you bring the fun of guided drawing to your classroom or home.
Download your FREE Pigeon Guided Drawing Instructions here
Download your FREE Piggie Guided Drawing Instructions here
Download your FREE Elephant Guided Drawing Instructions here
Tips for Successful Guided Drawing Sessions
To make your guided drawing sessions a success, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Engaging Subjects: Characters like Mo Willems’ Pigeon, Piggie, and Elephant are perfect because they are relatable and fun for children.
- Break it Down into Simple Steps: Ensure each step is clear and easy to follow, focusing on basic shapes.
- Go Step-by-Step: Demonstrate each step clearly and allow time for participants to follow along.
- Encourage Individual Expression: While guided, encourage children to add their own creative touches with colors and backgrounds.
- Be Patient and Positive: Create a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone feels comfortable experimenting.
Guided Drawing in the Classroom and at Home
Guided drawing is a versatile activity that can be incorporated into various settings. In the classroom, it can be a fantastic art lesson, a fun activity for literacy centers, or even a calming transition activity. At home, it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time with children, fostering creativity and learning together.
Explore More Guided Drawing Ideas
Ready to explore more guided drawing adventures? There are countless possibilities! Beyond Mo Willems’ characters, you can find guided drawing lessons for animals, objects, landscapes, and more. Explore online resources like Pinterest and educational blogs for a wealth of inspiration.
Guided drawing is more than just learning to draw; it’s about unlocking creativity, building confidence, and making art accessible to everyone. So, grab your markers, download the free resources, and start your guided drawing journey today!
