10 Drawing Exercises to Increase Creativity and Mindfulness
Learn critical thinking and creative problem solving with drawing and sketching.
Michelle Ptacek, M.A. (Reading/Creativity)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(160)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursHomework
Homework for this class is optional. Students wishing to take the 10 exercises further (beyond the 5 minutes given during class) can certainly elaborate on the activities. Also, at the end of class, I will explain three additional activities students could do on their own time. These include doodling big outside the lines (outside with chalk), drawing a timeline of their life, and sketching pareidolia (things that aren't there but our imaginations fill them in - like finding a new constellation in the night sky).Assessment
Informal assessment will take place in this class while sharing ideas and quick creations. I encourage students to take screenshots of my slides (shift, command, 4) in order to take notes they can use later on their own.Class Experience
This class teaches students drawing exercises they can perform anytime and anywhere with paper and pencil. The exercises are designed to help them be more creative regardless of what they are interested in (writers, musicians, singers, and dancers are invited to this drawing party)! In other words, this is not a class for sketching techniques as much as it is a class for enhanced innovative thinking. (Of course, it's a bonus if you love doodling!) Leading researchers in creativity have studied these exercises. The reasoning behind the activities is interesting to learn about while giving them a try! This class is taught using a slide show featuring 10 creative drawing activities (some done with the help of the group and some performed solo). Students will be introduced to the strategy (such as drawing their face upside down) and then given 5 minutes for sketching and/or sharing. During the five minutes, I will offer additional information about creativity research that matches with what action they are performing. 1. Draw 20 Basic Shapes, Then Invent (based on a Stanford study and design studio exercise) 2. Thought Bubbles (we know what the brain looks like, but what do thoughts look like?) 3. Draw Your Face Upside Down (plus that odd thing Ralph Waldo Emerson liked to do) 4. One Minute Doodle Squares (tips for fighting your inner critic) 5. Storyboard Your Dream Day (the power of role-playing) 6. Draw Using Your Non-Dominant Hand (brain research about hand dominance) 7. Notice Strong Colors (why do neuroscientists say we only notice 10% of what’s around us?) 8. Mirror Image Challenge (patience and creative thinking) 9. Finish Something Incomplete (plus relevant Einstein quotes for creativity ) 10. Combine, Mix, and Match (plus relevant Steve Jobs quotes for creativity) Plenty of bonus creativity ideas for outside of class will be shared at the end! No previous experience is necessary to take this class! Bring a pencil, paper, a picture of yourself (or a mirror or smartphone). In addition, you will want a red, green, blue, purple, yellow, and black crayon or colored pencil.
Learning Goals
- Students will improve their understanding of what creativity is and how it works
- Students will learn what activities they can do to lead a more creative life
- Students will learn drawing exercises they can do anytime anywhere in order to increase creativity
- Students will practice approaches for coming up with unique and useful ideas using logical reasoning and brainstorming
Other Details
Supply List
Bring a pencil, paper, a picture of yourself (or a mirror or smartphone). In addition, learners will want a red, green, blue, purple, yellow, and black crayon or colored pencil.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2021
4.9
160reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Iowa Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Master's Degree in Education from Morningside University
I have formally and informally studied creativity, both in my master's degree, as a doctoral student, and in my professional work with incredibly creative individuals. I was also a full-time songwriter for many years and a guitar teacher for 10 years. In addition, I have extensive experience working with Davidson Young Scholars in the profoundly gifted population and with learners who identify as twice-exceptional. - Michelle Ptacek
RELEVANT CERTIFICATIONS
Department of Education, PK-12 Talented and Gifted
RELEVANT EDUCATION
Masters of Arts in Teaching
Morningside College, Sioux City, IA
Doctoral Student
Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity, Studio City, CA Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 62 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-6 learners per class
