You know how sometimes on social media you “like” something just to be supportive. Come on, we all do it!
Well, I’ve been thinking about applying that same concept to the things my students like to draw that drive me crazy!
Here's a list of things I am tired of my students drawing all the time:
superheroes
dollar signs
chains
those weird flowers with the unnatural points
the Universal S.
I don’t mean to sound cranky, but they ALL draw these things ALL of the time. I teach my heart out everyday so they can be exposed to new things, but if I let them choose what to draw…well, here comes the things on the list.
If you ever feel the same way, this story about Leonardo Drew might inspire you to muster up a “Facebook like” for all those drawings! It sure did help me.
Who is Leonardo Drew?
Leonardo Drew is a contemporary artist that should be on your radar, if he isn’t already:
“The artist, Leonardo Drew, started out drawing superheroes but over the past 35 years has become a highly acclaimed sculptor.” - CBS This Morning
Take a moment if you have it to watch the interview with Drew mentioned above. I love it when he says, “I am the weather.” It’s so good. You’ll love it.
If you are interested in learning more, Art21 also has a really great interview with Drew. I have often shared it with my students, even the elementary level ones. He talks about how he feels about Piet Mondrian and takes the interviewer on a walk to visit his grave. It is super interesting. Also, I know a lot of us teach Mondrian. So, there’s a really great connection there.
3 Reasons to Facebook Like What They Like
So, Leonardo Drew, a very accomplished, successful, profound contemporary artist was fixated on drawing superheroes as a child. Hmm…
This is a really profound concept if you consider how many students you have now who are obsessed with drawing superheroes and anime. They draw those like it is all they know, and sometimes we roll our eyes at it.
But, when you think about it, it is important that they are drawing these things:
It keeps them drawing. At least they are drawing something. Even a limited subject matter and style can be an emotional outlet for kids as they grow into adulthood. All the people need emotional outlets! I know you know.
They will expand their skillset when they are ready. I know it is our job to help them grow. We push them to try new things. Some kids are ready to try new things sooner than others. I know we have expectations for them to create based on the standards we are teaching. Just because they perform to meet our expectations doesn’t mean they will immediately go home and apply those new skills. That’s all okay, though. The creativity is the important part.
Artists create from curiosity. An 8 year old girl might be interested and curious about superheroes today but curious about how she can use the natural elements of the earth to manipulate media later.
Conclusion
What do you think? Is it worth it to muster up the energy to “Facebook like” the things they like to draw, even when it gets on your nerves? Let me know!
I’m Amanda, and I align standards and integrate content to help teachers meet the needs of the Whole Child in art class! I have yet to find a standard that I couldn’t teach through art, and I want to share it all with you.
Not sure where to start with bringing art and content together? This freebie guide is packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Your students will be crafting art and practicing algebraic thinking. Win-win!
I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.
Follow along on my Instagram page for more tips on teaching the Whole Child in the art room!
Connecting art and content together doesn’t have to be mind-boggling. I’ve made it simple with 25 math and ELA art lesson starters - for free! Plus, I included 15 worksheets for students to reflect on their art-making journey.