Drawing
Overview
Encouraging learners to draw as a form of synthesizing key concepts and to explain their drawings in the classroom, can support the development of Core Academic Literacies, especially when solving complex problems across content areas. As content becomes more complex for secondary learning, drawing can be an especially helpful tool to cement understanding through visual note-taking, organizational drawing, representational drawing, and field sketches. However, educators should take into account that learners who struggle with Sensory Integration or motor skills may find it difficult to modulate their pencil pressure and should consider how to adjust the medium accordingly. This can be a powerful tool across content areas, particularly when mapping historical events, analyzing relationships between concepts, or diagramming scientific concepts. Encouraging discussion of their drawings with peers and educators can help further understanding and support social-emotional development and Communication skills. Allowing learners to explore content through drawing can increase Motivation as learners are given more autonomy to explore concepts individually.
When used as a recreational activity, drawing activities can help learners regulate and support Emotional well-being, allowing them to reflect inward as a break or distraction from typical academic settings. Artistic expression can support learners' Sense of Belonging in the classroom as these modalities help them to explore and demonstrate their individual interests to foster Identity development and communicate Emotion. This can be particularly important for students from historically and systematically excluded groups, or for students who may be dealing with Adverse Experiences.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch this video outlining the importance of drawing in secondary classrooms to solidify understanding.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
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