7th Grade: Tree Exploration Drawings

As a big proponent of the 8 Studio Habits of Mind, I am constantly trying to find ways to make the habits more explicit in the classroom. I decided that before our next long-term project, I would give students a few classes to practice drawing trees by experimenting with different materials.

First, I demonstrated three different media/techniques: 1. Ink Wash Drawings, 2. Sharpie Drawings and 3. Reductive Charcoal Drawings. I also printed out a bunch of reference images and found several books for students to use as they worked. Then I just let the students work. I am SO impressed with their willingness to try something new!