If you’re looking for a low-prep activity that combines creativity, listening skills, and fine motor practice, directed drawing might be your new favorite classroom tool! 

Directed drawing is exactly what it sounds like: students follow step-by-step instructions to draw a specific image. It’s a simple yet powerful way to bring art into your routine, while also reinforcing important academic and developmental skills that are so important in the early years of elementary. 

Whether you’re teaching kindergarten, first grade, or second, there are plenty of benefits to adding directed drawing to your week!

What Is Directed Drawing?

Directed drawing is an activity where the teacher walks students through how to draw a picture, one simple step at a time. Students follow along and end up with their own unique version of the same drawing.

This type of structured creativity helps even reluctant artists feel successful because anyone can do it!

Benefits of Directed Drawing in K–2 Classrooms

Here’s why so many teachers love using directed drawing:

• Builds listening and following directions skills
  Students practice staying focused, listening closely, and following steps in order—key skills in early elementary!
• Develops fine motor control
  Drawing helps strengthen the small muscles in the hands, which supports handwriting and other classroom tasks.
• Encourages creativity and confidence
  Even though everyone is drawing the same thing, every picture turns out a little different. This helps students see the value of their individual work.
• Integrates easily into other subjects
  Use a drawing to go with a writing prompt, holiday activity, or science lesson. It’s a great way to cross subjects.
• Creates beautiful hallway displays or bulletin boards
  Students love seeing their artwork showcased, and it’s an easy way to decorate your classroom with student-created work! 

Want to Try It Out?

If you’re ready to get started, I’ve created an easy-to-use Directed Drawing Seasonal Bundle that includes 40+ drawings for holidays and themes throughout the year. Each drawing comes with step-by-step instructions and a writing component to help students connect drawing to literacy.

These are perfect for:

• Fast finishers
• Morning work
• Art time
• Sub plans
• Centers

Adding directed drawing to your routine doesn’t take a lot of time but it does make a big impact. Your students will love the creativity, and you’ll love the skills they’re building along the way.Click here to check out the Directed Drawing Seasonal Bundle!

Looking for more fun activities your students will love? Check out these phonics games!