Teaching Tip

Getting to Know Each Other

Drawing classes make some students feel insecure, especially if they haven’t had any previous drawing classes. If the students really get to know each other and their teacher, I believe that they tend to act as shy. The students will learn that as they practice more, they will improve. I’ve tried to incorporate this into the classroom through the following techniques:

• Ice Breaker — At the beginning of each class, I have them introduce themselves and present something about themselves (where they are from, how many siblings do they have, what is the furthest from Jacksonville that they have traveled, etc.).
  
• Questionnaire — Have the students fill out a questionnaire on their classmates. They must have each question answered by a different classmate. The questions can vary and include personal interests (what is your favorite movie, favorite color, do you prefer cats or dogs, etc.). This will allow them to open up and get to know one another.
  
• Get to know me — I allow them time at the first class to ask me questions so that they can get to know me and my background in design.
  
• “Show and Tell” — Have them bring a couple of pictures of their family, pet, and/or friends and they share a little about themselves
  
• Group Activities — At each class I group the students in pairs of two or three, so that they can give each other feedback on their homework or review a quiz together. Sometimes a student can gain great learning tips from a classmate. This also gives me the opportunity to go to spend time with each student one on one.

By getting to know my students, and allowing them to get to know one another and me, they are able to come out of their shells a little quicker.

This tip was provided by Rebecca Crosby. If you would like to learn more about Rebecca, visit her bio page.

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