I've always struggled with teaching perspective to 5th graders. I actually enjoy perspective drawing in part because of Pat Welch, a fantastic instructor at CCAD. I have found that teaching perspective to drawing to 5th grade kids can be a little dry at times. Some kids really dive into it, but there are always those who really struggle.
I went about teaching it a little differently this year. I broke down the steps even more than I have in previous years and opened up the project to be what each student wanted it to be. My only requirement was that there needed to be at least eight shapes drawn in correct one point perspective. The project could be painted, outlined in sharpie, colored with colored pencils, or just left as plain pencil. The students really dove into it this year. I ended up with the best results I've ever had out of this project. In addition I had a little contest for kids to draw the most difficult shape they could outside of class. Blick Art Materials donated a bunch of sketchbooks to me last summer. Four 5th graders were chosen as contest winners and get to take home a sketchbook with a drawing from me inside of it.
Very cool. I like this because the kids who "get it" can really run with it, and those who don't can still do SOMETHING even if it isn't quite correct.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog the other day. GREAT stuff here. I'm currently doing 1 point perspective and have the same sentiments......sheesh, it can be a dry area to approach! My results have been mixed.....I like the way that you add to it to make it more interesting and kids can tailor it to fit their creativity and readiness for such ideas.
ReplyDeleteI agree teaching perspective to 5th graders can be a challenge. I feel like they all want me to help them a.k.a do it for them the whole time. I did a room in perspective once and took pictures of the kids to stand in the room. I think your approach me cause me less headaches.
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This is a challenging subject for fifth grade. I feel like they want me to do it for them the whole time. I think your approach may be a little better received.
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