My third grade son has an active imagination. He can think up all sorts of scenarios when inventing games. Today, we are faced with one of his least favorite academic challenges. He needs to design and draw his own island. Thinking out the design will come easily to him. The tough part for him is the drawing part of the project. In elementary school, I think many teachers forget that not all of us are born to draw. We all have individual ways to express our creativity. There are kids who like to write. There are those who may enjoy oral presentations of their ideas. Of course, there are many who like to express themselves through drawing. My older son sailed through all the drawing projects in elementary school. He has always had a pencil in his hand since he was a little guy. My third grader was never a fan of drawing or coloring even as a toddler. He liked to use his hands and build all sorts of structures. That's where his creativity shines.
Today, I have to help him with the drawing part of his project. It's just not his thing. I'll do my best to make the structures look like they are his own drawings. We'll get the written part of the report done with no problem. We'll both be glad when the drawing is complete for this project. I wish teachers wouldn't assume that all kids like to draw. I feel bad that he gets frustrated when working on a project just because he doesn't feel comfortable or confident in his drawing ability.
I'm glad that we get the chance to work together today. We'll make the best island that we can.
Enjoy your Sunday!
12 comments:
You should take a photo so we can see the finished project. I am sure it will be great - we are our own worst critics. Enjoy the project time with your son!
Perhaps an aside with the teacher...wouldn't it be so much more fulfilling for kids if they got to create in whatever way is best for them? Might keep their interest in school longer!
What a concept; I thought we learned it long ago. Some learn by doing, some by hearing, and some being shown. We're all different. Same could be said in this scenerio, right?
Have fun together!
I like how you put a positive spin on it though, being able to spend this time together! I'm sure the teachers must know the frustrations that arise with these projects, and understand Mom or Dad helping with the outcome. Your son is learning even from that, from your assistance today. I'm sure it'll look great!
Enjoy your time with him. And shame on the teacher for not letting any creativity in. No clay molding? Finger painting (hey, it could be fun)? Just drawing, huh? Here's hoping it went well for both of you!
Good luck with the project. It sounds like it might be fun to do together. Maybe by doing it with you he won't think it's so bad.
This sounds like a wonderful mother-son activity.. I hope it turns out really well, and I hope you have fun doing it!
I can't draw a straight line with a ruler, and yet my brother is a gifted architect. Go figure!
I don't draw. My kids don't even ask me to draw - it isn't pretty when I draw!
That's one reason homeschooling makes my heart sing. I can let each child express themselves the way they are designed...it's wonderful.
You are such a great mom. It shows through in your writing. How awesome for you to know him so well and to support him through the challenge of stretching his creativity!
I am working on a project with my 3rd grader too... It does have it challenges. I need to let my child take the wheel and realize she's not in kindergarten any more...lol. It's about empowering her and not pointing out mistakes...easier said than done!
Sounds like you got everything well under control.
Me, I have no talent for drawing. Neither does the wife, but somehow, all that non-talent was put to good use by my daughter, who can draw and paint very well.
I hear you ... it can be frustrating when kids are asked to do something that this not "their thing." I wish they might have given some other options -- like "build" your own island. He probably would have done a great job with that. What a neat sounding project idea though.
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