Like many of you, I've been reading In Pictures and In Words by Katie Wood Ray this summer.
And it's really made me realize just how important the illustrations are in kids' writing!
Even before kids are actually writing "words," they are creating incredible stories through their pictures! That's why I was excited when Barker Creek products sent me a set of their Draw * Write * Now books by Marie Hablitzel and Kim Stitzer.
Have you seen these? They are colorful books that show kids (and, ahem, adults) how to draw all sorts of things--from animals to people to much more. As you can see, the directions are colorful, clear and easy enough for even kindergartners to follow.
I love them, because not only to they show step-by-step directions for drawing specific items, they teach kids how to add a background and details to make their pictures even better.
Don't misunderstand me--I am completely against showing kids one way, and one way only to draw something. I would never want to stifle a child's own creativity. But these books give kids the tools and the confidence to create their own drawings!
There are 8 books available:
Book One: On the Farm, Kids and Critters, Storybook Characters
Book Two: Christopher Columbus, Autumn Harvest, The Weather
Book Three: Native Americans, North America, The Pilgrims
Book Four: The Polar Regions, The Arctic, The Antarctic
Book Five: The United States, From Sea to Sea, Moving Forward
Book Six: Animals & Habitats: On Land, Ponds and Rivers, Oceans
Book Seven: Animals of the World, Part 1: Forest Animals
Book Eight: Animals of the World, Part 2: Grassland and Desert Animals
As you can see, they would be great to integrate into science and social studies units. I can already see some awesome science journal pages.
They also include text for handwriting practice and lots of fun facts.
I plan on doing specific lessons from the books with my kids throughout the year. I also plan on putting all of the books in my art center, where I'm sure they will be well-loved!
So head on over to Barker Creek, and check out these books, and all of the other great products they have for teachers!
You are so lucky. The books are super cute. I love the easy text as well.
Sue
theverybusykindergarten :)
Posted by: Sue | 07/25/2012 at 02:06 PM
I bought book #2 two years ago when I started teaching kinder. I LOVE it. My only problem with these books is that they are pricey. That is why I only own one. It would be great to have a school purchase a set for everyone to share.
Camille
Posted by: Camille Johnson | 07/25/2012 at 04:24 PM
This series is wonderful, I have them as well. Scholastic publishes two books--people & animals. I also use Ed Emberly(great dragons). I do directed drawing every other day in the first weeks of school and then move to guided drawing once weekly using a sketch book. You will notice a big difference in student confidence and motivation. The good artists improve and the less experienced become great. I have been working on a drawing piece to link to my blog about writing workshop but it's not done yet.Great topic!!
Liz :)
http://crazyforkindergarten68.blogspot.ca/
Posted by: Liz Mccaw | 07/25/2012 at 07:22 PM
I bought (or used my bonus points) to get 2 copies each of the ones from Scholastic. (They're actually published by Usbourne, but were sold through Scholastic.)I took the books apart and laminated the directions back-back so that more kids could use the pages instead of one student using the whole book. I also took apart an Ed Emberly book to laminate the pages. Scholastic also has Follow the Directions books for learning to draw. One of them includes sentence starters. I put copies of these in my drawing and writing center. Check out www.unclefred.com as well. Students use actual paper for these, but the directions are online. I've been using these items for a few years now after reading Talking, Drawing and Writing. I've ordered In Pictures and In Words and can't wait to read it! Thank you so much - I love your ideas!!
Posted by: Patti Rosenquist | 07/25/2012 at 10:03 PM
I just wanted to say that I totally adore your blog and I love reading your posts:) I look forward to getting your emails in my inbox!
Posted by: Annie Moffatt | 07/26/2012 at 01:45 AM
I've got many drawing books in my art center, but these are fabulous. I just went to Amazon.com and found used ones for much less. I'm so excited to put them out for the children and teach from them. There are always a few children that really have no idea or are afraid to draw, so these book give them a great stepping stone. I really enjoy your posts also. Your site was mentioned at conference and I checked it out. I was flabbergasted at all the wonderful resources that you offer and all the other wonderful teacher blogs. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world. I even started my own blog, but have a long way to go, a lot to learn, and not nearly enough time...
Posted by: Jennifer Adelmeyer | 07/26/2012 at 02:31 PM
You are so fortunate. The guides are extremely adorable. I really like the simple written text as well.
Posted by: top chiropractor jacksonville | 07/27/2012 at 03:26 AM
Wow, that was a lot in one blog. Read it all and loved it! Thank you. Your newest fan.
Some of my best and favorite books have been found at tag sales.
Sara
kinderaffe2ndgraders.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sara | 07/28/2012 at 07:58 PM
Your blog is outstanding. I’ve to say your blog is very informative. I really loved it! Thanks you for aware me such useful information.
Posted by: Kindergarten in Victoria | 10/04/2012 at 02:09 AM
How did they send them to you??
Posted by: Pam Guerra | 01/12/2013 at 10:46 PM