Summer Inspiration Program offers its participants a range of various activities, including art. Pre-K students and firstgraders at the Putnam County Primary School learn to feel confident and identify themselves as artists at the ArTsy ArTsy camp.
Every time, the teacher gives the children stepby-step instructions on how to draw an animal or an object. She also demonstrates how to draw it on the white board so campers can copy what she is doing. In the process, she asks kids what basic shapes they see in the picture. Once the outline is ready, they can color their drawings. The first week they learned how to draw a school bus, the second week it was an ice-cream cone, then a dinosaur. At the end of the camp, the drawings of each student will be put together in a book to take home.
“The camp teaches them how to listen and follow directions,” said teacher Anna Watkins.
“They did so well,” said Linda Walker, camp assistant director. “The camp also teaches them to think for themselves, even if their pictures don’t turn out to be exactly what they see.”
“I like this camp because I make a lot of pictures here and I like playing with my friends,” said Jed Esau.
“My favorite picture was a dinosaur. They are interesting animals,” said Gus Esau.
According to the written description of the camp, directed drawings provide the children with a ton of practice on how to follow directions and pay attention to detail. The campers are producing artwork that is unique and beautiful. It’s not just a coloring page or a cookie-cutter craft. Directed drawings are huge self-esteem boosters, especially for students who struggle in other academic areas. They give the students an outlet to express themselves and shine.