When you were 5-years-old and your mamma wanted a little break from the awesome responsibility of raising you, she’d give you some paper and crayons, and for the next 30 minutes, you were blissfully and silently…in the engagement zone. Across the top of the paper, you drew a blue band which represented the sky. A green band at the bottom was grass. In between in a vast white void, was perhaps your house, your dog, a tree, the sun, and a smiling stick figure you. In all honesty, from an artistic standpoint, your drawing sucked, but you didn’t care. You were totally immersed in what you were doing. When you presented it to her, your mom probably marveled at your masterpiece, but you would have been just fine without all her false praise. The truth is, you loved the creative process.

Alas, the next year you went to kindergarten and your artistic innocence was shattered. Your peers and you started to compare artwork. Unlike your mom, your teacher was not as effusive with her praise. You became more interested in the way your art looked in comparison to others and far less content to just create in quiet bliss.

Now that you’re a teacher, try promoting drawing a picture in class. Students often groan, “I can’t even draw a straight line.” In fairness, no one can draw a straight line…that’s the function of a ruler. But don’t let those crabby statements dissuade you. Kids still love to draw.

The Awakened One by David Sturtevant

Episode Template:

The Problem:

It’s hard to unleash the creativity.

The Solution:

Have kids draw your next lesson!

What You Can Do Tomorrow?

• Create a drawing prompt based on your current lesson.
• Gather material. you need and create a perfect atmosphere. 
• Set the mood. 
• Work the room. 
• Celebrate their creations.

Challenge your students to draw tomorrow’s lesson. After some predictable pushback, you’ll be amazed at how engaged they’ll be in this creative process.

Listen to “29-Turn your Students into 5-Year-Olds” on Spreaker.