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5th and 6th figure drawing

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From: Maggie White (mwhiteaz_at_TeacherArtExchange)
Date: Fri Sep 05 2003 - 05:51:46 PDT

Hi, all,

Sorry if this message shows up twice; the first one seems to have
disappeared.

I've been floundering quite a bit the last four weeks trying out lessons
on my 5th and 6th grade girls (I have all-girl and all-boy classes).
Most are pretty game about trying, but I know some of it is quite
frustrating for them. This is the first time most have had any art and
I'm trying to give them quality lessons to prep them for next year
without turning them off with too much rigor.

I think they'd enjoy drawing faces and people. I thought I'd start them
off learning basic facial proportions, maybe do a simplified
self-portrait. Then go on to basic body proportions. I think I vaguely
remember someone once mentioned doing paper-doll type figures that they
could cut out of card stock and design clothing and accessories for.

Questions:

1. Will they be able to handle drawing the basic oval face shape, or
should I provide a template? I'd rather they work more on getting the
placement of features correct than stressing out over getting the oval
just right (some of them are very whiny and insecure about not being
able to draw).

2. Should I stress more-or-less correct drawing of eyes, nose, and
lips--so they're not doing the Twiggy lashes, pig nose, and clown lips?

3. Can they handle doing figure proportions? Or again, should I
provide a template and they can change the arm/leg positions to suit them?

4. Is the paper-doll idea too dorky? Should I avoid that term and use
something like "cut-out self portraits?" Or will they be on to me?

Any other ideas more appropriate to this age will be greatly appreciated!

Maggie 

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