Directed Drawing

In Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton (SHS) kindergarten classrooms, a simple drawing lesson highlights storytelling while also honing students’ listening skills, art technique, and fine motor skills. The project, inspired by author-illustrator Jan Brett, allowed students to create stunning hedgehog artwork through step-by-step directed drawing.

 

Kindergarten teacher Carol DeZutti, who has been teaching young students at SHS for over 40 years, begins the lesson by reading one of Brett’s stories featuring Hedgie, a clever hedgehog. “Hedgie’s Surprise” introduces students to the crafty character before they begin drawing their own version.

 

From there, DeZutti guides students through the drawing one line at a time using a document camera so students can follow along visually while listening to instructions.

 

“With the directed drawing, I’ll say, ‘draw a half circle on your paper,’ and, ‘look at mine,’” she explained. “I give them both the visual and the auditory instructions,” which helps reach a wider range of learning styles.

Students build the hedgehog using simple shapes—ovals, circles, and triangles—learning how complex drawings can start with basic forms. Once the pencil sketch is complete, students carefully trace their work with Sharpie and add a wash of watercolor.

 

The process introduces a range of artistic and developmental skills, from careful motor control to understanding how to use watercolors. Students practice how much water to pick up on the brush, how to move it across paper, and how to create a smooth blend of color.

 

Beyond technique, the project helps build confidence in young artists. By following the steps together, students see how their drawings come together into something recognizable.

 

“They learn that simple shapes and lines can make something that surprises you,” DeZutti said.

 

The directed drawing approach has become a favorite in the classroom, helping kindergarteners discover that with patience and a few simple steps, they can create artwork they’re proud to share.