Writing

"Draw Write Now books are awesome. They're the coolest drawing books. I really enjoy them." -- Caleb, age 7 My students learned to be observant through drawing...See more » "Draw Write Now books are awesome. They're the coolest drawing books. I really enjoy them." -- Caleb, age 7 My students learned to be observant through drawing lessons. After drawing a jackrabbit together and thinking of backgrounds for drawings, the children and I went to the window and looked at the bluish-purple mountain range on the horizon, or the wispy clouds in the sky. Most children need guidance to build strong observational skill. My students' ability to notice details strengthened through drawing. While drawing, you have to focus on things like the diagonal patterns on a pinecone, or the graceful droop of a vine with heart-shaped leaves. My students' ability to listen and follow directions were good, because they focused on my instruction as we made our drawings. With paper, pencil and crayons, I was able to watch the children blossom as they developed their visual skills and gained the self-discipline to listen well. The more drawings we made together, the easier it became for the children to read, learn math concepts, and write, so I gradually developed enough lessons to give a different lesson each morning of the school year. I don't know what I would have done without drawing instruction in my classroom! --Marie Hablitzel Coauthor, Draw Write Now, Books 1-8See less »