Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes has been a highly recommended art resource for homeschoolers for years. To give you an idea of how long this treasure has been around, the 10th Anniversary Edition was published in 1996.
- Think the ability to draw is inherited?
- Do you believe there is a “right” way to draw?
- Think drawing has any practical use?
- How about art lessons? Can anyone benefit or only those who show talent?
Many misconceptions about drawing are addressed, including the debate between structured drawing and free expression. As you can see, the drawing lessons start with the mind!
Next, the stage is set by addressing work space, atmosphere that encourages success, supplies, and inspiration. Then it’s time to get started by choosing a starting level. The Monart method taught in the book:
involves training students to perceive an “alphabet” of sorts focused on five basic elements of shape families that combine to form all objects. By learning to view the world through these five elements and how to transcribe the information to paper, everyone, so-called “drawers” and “non-drawers” can learn to become artists in their own right and develop their own unique style of realistic interpretation.
The original book was written for parents to enjoy drawing with their children — hence the appeal to homeschool moms. The book can also be used as a self-teaching method for older children and adults. The most recent edition includes more guides for teachers, as well.
Following the instructions in “How to Use This Book” will get you started on the right path. Step-by-step instructions are included for the drawing the lessons.
We have undervalued those whose natural visual competencies allowed them to use these skills as artists, artisans, architects, and engineers in spite of a lack of attention and training in these modalities. We have poorly served those with average skills by failing to teach them how to capitalize on their strengths. Sadly, when the child’s ability to develop the requisite auditory processing competencies is compromised through a learning disability, we leave unused, underdeveloped, and undervalued the potential to learn using visual skills and other modes of learning.
Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes, from the Note to Parents and Educators
Additional Resources
Drawing with Children
Complete lesson plan for using the book at Paula’s Archives.
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