Using Shapes to Draw

In writer's workshop, we are learning to use shapes to help us draw. We can draw anything if we think about the shapes that make up that item.  Today, I modeled how to do this.  I asked 3 students for something that they'd like to learn how to draw.  We talked about the shapes that make up each of those items.  I then used those shapes when drawing.
1. Curtains- The widow was a big square and the curtains were rectangles.
2. Pirate ship- I started with the bottom half of a circle, added triangles for sails, small circles for port holes and a rectangle for the flag.
3. T-Rex- I used ovals for the body, tail and head.  I added rectangles for arms/legs and triangles for spikes down its back.

This was a great opportunity to remind us to praise everyone's best effort.