Directed Drawing for Kids
Directed drawing is a guided art lesson: you draw one step on the board, your students copy it, and then you move to the next step. At the end every child has a finished drawing, and each one still looks a little different. This page explains how to run one, which drawings suit each grade, and where to get free step sheets.
What is directed drawing?
A directed drawing is a step-by-step lesson led by a teacher or parent. The leader shows one step, waits, and shows the next. Kids learn to break a picture into shapes and to follow directions in order. After the guided part, they add their own details and color.
How to do a directed drawing in class
- Print a step sheet or put the steps on the board.
- Hand out paper, a pencil, and markers or crayons for later.
- Draw step 1 big enough for the back row. Say the step out loud.
- Wait until most of the class is done. Then draw step 2.
- After the last step, let them add a background, a hat, a name.
- If you want a writing tie-in, add a writing line under the drawing.
Leave time for coloring. It often takes longer than the drawing.
Which directed drawing is best for beginners?
Pick one built from circles and ovals with few steps: a snowman, a penguin, a cat or a pumpkin. They work with a whole class because every step is a shape the children can name.
Directed drawing for kindergarten
Use thick markers instead of pencils, and name each shape as you draw it ("now a big circle"). Skip the eraser; tell them every line can stay.
Directed drawing and free drawing
Directed drawing teaches steps and shapes. Free drawing lets kids choose everything. They work well together: run a directed drawing, then give a free-drawing prompt that uses the same shapes.
Free directed drawing printables
Every tutorial comes with a one-page step sheet you can copy for your class.
Free directed drawing step sheets for your class
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Questions teachers ask
What is self directed drawing?
Free drawing: the child chooses what to draw and how, with no steps to follow. It works well right after a directed drawing, with a prompt that uses the same shapes.
How long does a directed drawing take?
Plan 20 to 30 minutes for the drawing itself with a kindergarten or 1st grade class, plus time for coloring, which often takes longer than the drawing.