Drawing Your Own Dragons & Other Cool Creatures! for Younger Kids

Hello there parents of Younger Creative Kids! My name is Dale Crum and I have been an professional artist since 1975. 

This sets me apart as a sort of YODA of art and design. I am also a Grandfather. It is my Blessing and privilege to guide the next generation into the Wonderful World of the Arts.

My classroom is focused upon CREATIVE FELLOWSHIP as much as artwork. My students learn to appreciate the diverse and unique perspectives that each one of them brings to our classroom. 

RESPECT AND KINDNESS are foundational and I never allow anyone to be picked on or bullied! YES...including all of the Special Needs Children that I am so blessed to teach every beautiful week.

Every Week begins with photos of the CREATIVE CHALLENGE which is usually a creature in the natural world. They are able to learn more about nature and then we refer to these photos as each child ponders their own unique take on the creature of the week. 

CLASS EXAMPLES:

WEEK ONE, JANUARY 20: INSECT MAYFLIES...How can we turn this amazing bug with wings into a dragon or any other thing like a robot?

WEEK TWO, JANUARY 27: ANGULAR ROUGH SHARK...How can we turn this shark into an Sea Monster?

WEEK THREE, FEBRUARY 3: TROPICAL FRUIT...How can we make everyday fruit into Cool Creatures?

WEEK FOUR, FEBRUARY 10: TREE MONSTERS...How do we take any normal tree and bring it to life as a funny or creepy creature?

EVERY WEEK THERE IS A DIFFERENT CREATIVE CHALLENGE LIKE THE ONES LISTED ABOVE!

I always create my own version of the challenge and they are free to follow along with me or as most of them tend to do...they just take off and run with their OWN IDEAS!  

So, I understand that all of these awesome, Younger Creative Kiddos are excited about their own creativity. I teach them how to harness their ideas and focus on a specific creative challenge for the day. 

My classroom experience is designed build a solid, FUN foundation that lasts throughout their entire creative lives.

A wide range of Dragons and other Creatures are set before them and I help them to explore the shapes and colors and HOW TO draw them... step by step. 

At the end of every class they are given the chance to explain their own ideas for their Creature. *I regularly allow everyone to participate, yes, even the shy ones.  

I have found that quite often, the most quiet child...has the best creative input; once given the chance to shine! 
 
Self-confidence-boost is therefore an intentional bi-product of taking my art classes. 
My Students will be taught many different drawing techniques. So, it is helpful if the leaner has had some basic experience in drawing.  

We also examine how they see a given creature in their minds eye; including the body type, eating habits and much more. After a bit of talking it out then we all begin to draw. 

MOST THEY draw THEIR very own version of the creature...as THEY see it.
 
This is the perfect method for young learners to begin to understand that THEY have their own unique voice in the arts. Their confidence grows stronger with every class. I have forged a perfect forum for them to have fun, while learning to become an Artist.

CREATIVE STORYTELLING: 

*I have also strategically designed my classes as an introduction to creative storytelling.  

We begin each class with a brief introduction of any first time learners, and the creative challenge of the day.  
  
During the final portion of our class time I allow them tell us a little about their creature. This is where the introduction to storytelling really comes to life! 

For decades, I toured America and several countries around the world performing my own original Drama and Comedy Characters. Silly voices were a huge part of creative ministry, so they are a regular part of my Outschool classes...every single class! 

WE HAVE A BLAST, soooo if your child does NOT like to have FUN then please do NOT sign up! HAHAHAHAHAHA!