Mystery Drawing Puzzles with Free Download
Kids love to draw! It is my job as an art teacher to help them improve as much as I can while making it fun. Enter Mystery Drawing Puzzles.
Knowing how to draw begins with learning to draw what you see. One of the techniques for this type of drawing is grid drawing. Here are some examples.
Ohhhhh, those! Yes, we have seen those before!
As a muralist, I have used this grid technique to transfer my drawings to a wall when a projector wasn’t available. It can be used to enlarge images and practice drawing skills.
It has other uses as well. It can be used mathematically to show proportions. Do you remember seeing a grid drawing in your math book?
I teach art to very young students (k-4) so when I first introduced grid drawing, I encouraged them to go block by block to draw exactly what they saw. Many did this and were successful but several quickly drew it without using the grid. Unfortunately, they missed my objective and all the benefits of grid drawing.
What they didn’t understand is the grid drawing develops observational skills and hand-eye coordination. Both things are necessary in order to be a good drawer.
On my next grid drawing day, I made it impossible to cheat my objective. I mixed up the squares. Now they would have to slow down and really observe what they were doing.
Click on the image below for a free download.
Well it was an absolute hit! My students loved it. It was like doing a jigsaw puzzle but with drawing. Some of my students (2nd grade and up) were shocked at their skills. I wasn’t. My students are awesome.
I believe these can be used in the regular classroom as well. They can be used for early finishers, substitute teacher sheets, and brain breaks.
It has been proven that good art instruction and practice improves cognitive development. (1) This activity is one way of doing this!
Some of my students loved these puzzles so much that they asked for more to take home. In teaching, that is what I call success.
Here are some more that I made.
Your students will love these! And if you like it, please consider supporting me on Teachers Pay Teachers at Amy Ward Creates.
Happy Teaching and Happy Creating! Amy
Citations:
1. Sousa, David A. “How the Arts Develop the Young Brain.” School Administrator, American Association of School Administrators. 801 North Quincy Street Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203-1730. Tel: 703-528-0700; Fax: 703-841-1543; e-Mail: Info@Aasa.org; Web Site: How the Arts Develop the Young Brain.”