Project day in my house

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!