I started this class because it was requested, but to be honest, it is one of my favorites to teach. It's really just an hour of geeking out about dinosaurs. Sometimes I teach them things about dinosaurs and sometimes they teach me.
I love it when I get a talkative class! I know some in some of my classes I could have more learners, but then it's harder to have real conversations. I much prefer the smaller classes, even if it means I don't make as much money.
We start class by doodling a T-Rex. I say doodling because this is very clearly a cartoon version of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. We even put a crown on his head. After that we read a dinosaur book and discuss different things we know about dinosaurs. This takes a little while but by the end they are super ready to draw. I try to give the students a few options and let them pick their favorite dinosaurs. We usually do my favorite- triceratops.
After we draw a few I gauge the students' abilities and sometimes we add things in the background like trees, mountains, volcanoes, and more. Other times we add the names of the dinosaurs, too. I try to maintain a steady amount of drawing throughout without rushing students that like to take their time. I always ask the students to share their work, and most of them do. Those that don't want to share one drawing usually share others. The sharing usually helps take some time for those that are trying to finish up. We end with another dinosaur book: students' choice and if we have time, one last dinosaur. It's tricky to gauge the time in a drawing class because I never know what kind of learners I will get, but one of my greatest strengths as a teacher is flexibility.
Like all teachers say "I'm not an artist" and I'm really not, but the students don't really care even though it is a drawing class. I'm especially bad at drawing dinosaur feet, and when I let the students know that it takes some of the pressure off of them. For my own children, sometimes they think things need to be perfect, but I always encourage them to try their best and if it is important to them to keep practicing. If it is not important to you to be especially good at dinosaurs than just do your best and have fun. But if you are wanting to be a paleontologist and dinosaurs are your life's passion then keep working until you are happy with your work. In all my classes I say "you are super smart and you can do hard things." I love using positive affirmations with my students and I do think they make a difference (more to come on those in another post).
Allie P
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