Where to start….
Although I’m an artist, or maybe because I’m an artist, I totally get the “But, I don’t know what to draw” complaint. I either have 100 ideas all scrambling to get out of my head at once or my mind is literally a blank chasm with my only thoughts being of sugary snacks and coffee.
You can’t will inspiration to come at a predetermined time. (Trust me. I’ve tried.)
No shame…
Some stigma used to be attached to giving kids “coloring sheets.” Coloring pages teach kids to follow the rules, to color within someone else’s lines.
I don’t buy it. These sketchbook prompts aren’t meant to replace making their own, inspired art.
What they are meant to do is help a kid find something creative to do with their hands and mind for the last ten minutes of class when they are done with their other work.
They are meant to give a stress free way to move thoughts and ideas from their head to a paper.
If you have a kid that loves to “doodle” check out this Zentagle -ish Landscape project to keep them busy for hours!
It’s fall, after all…
You guys, it’s fall! After a long Indian summer it finally feels like fall. The evening sun shining through leaves in our backyard is truly jaw dropping.
It’s chilly in the morning and in the evenings, in a good way. We’re planning Thanksgiving, and Halloween activities; which means time with family and friends. What could be better? And when I secretly think that staying home alone could be better (Ha.) the excitement of my kids reminds me how special these little mini celebrations really are.
Kids are always able to pick out the important stuff, aren’t they?
No matter what holidays your kiddos celebrate these fall sketchbook printables will be appropriate. They celebrate the season, rather than a specific holiday.
Want to grab these sketchbook prompts…. here’s how!
What if I’m already a KTC subscriber….
If you are already a Kitchen Table Classroom subscriber- thank you!
As a KTC subscriber you can use the same quick process to get this printable Goldsworthy artist study. It’s a quick and easy way to access your free downloads! You won’t be sent duplicate emails- I promise.
As a subscriber you’ll also receive a password to my Free Resource Library. Its a place you can go to browse all the KTC freebies in one spot. There are hundreds of free printable resources in one easy to browse place!
As a public school art teacher and classroom teacher for over twenty years I feel children learn something from everything. Whatever I use with my students always has some purpose no matter how small. I often use designs to color with my students because it strengthens eye hand coordination and being able to recognize boundaries, see the shapes lines make, and use color in interesting ways or in schemes I have taught. I never correct anyone when they are coloring over the lines because for me that is an assessment, I can see where that child is in terms of general development expectations and help me determine what type of comments and work I need to keep in my classes to help children develop the skills they have or need to have. I also make sure I use a variety of materials with every student. So they may have a choice of designs to color but they must choose a design to color and not just free draw. I have students who would never choose the design on their own but I want to make sure they are exposed to everything. Sometimes classroom teachers will use what I find to help them support a case for getting a student special services. We all learn something from everything!!
Well said Jill! I think there is a lot to be said from being exposed to a wide variety of experiences!