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After looking at animal tracks in a field guide, Gerrick wanted me to draw some for him in his nature journal. I won't draw in his journal and he knows this. I'll draw in my own, but his is for him. I suggested we each draw some in our own journals. He would NOT attempt to draw and got really frustrated. What would you do in this situation? I then suggested we search for some online that we could print and glue in the journal. He thought that was a good idea. We found these and these. This compromise turned his frustration into a positive experience. We cut them out together and talked about each one as he glued them in his journal. I really want him to draw, but I certainly can't force it, and I'm more interested in keeping his interest in nature alive.
How would or have you handled situations like this?
Hmmm, does he just not enjoy writing/drawing in general? Maybe lacks confidence? I'd probably just have him start doing a little writing/painting/etc. everyday to build up his confidence, enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteHis problem is that he is a perfectionist. His fine motor skills are actually much better than most boys his age; he's played with play doh, painted, etc since before he could walk. He doesn't like to write or draw because his results don't look exactly like what he sees in books, etc. He gets VERY frustrated by this. He loves fingerpainting or anything like that that doesn't have a preconceived outcome--but as far as drawing animal tracks for instance--no. I've started working with him some on proper letter formation--but as far as helping him with drawing confidence--I don't have a clue.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think you handled it really well. He learned how to use a different medium to get the effect he wanted. I hear you on that not helping him draw with confidence, but I think it probably turned out great for him.
ReplyDeleteI think you handled it well. My son has a similar preoccupation with perfection. He likes to write but gives up easily when it is not perfect. I'm never sure what do do about that either.
ReplyDeleteOh, I just thought of an idea. Maybe introduce him (if you haven't already done so) to different artists who don't paint in a realistic style so he sees that drawings don't have to look like "real life" to be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I have no idea if this will work, but in any case it might be fun.
lol--mom & kiddo, I've introduced him to works by Picasso, Matisse...I thought it was a great idea too, but he promptly informed me that he doesn't want to be that kind of artist. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you handled it great! When he doesn't want to write but you want him to gain practice in letter formation, why don't you let him write with is finger (or Q-tip, whatever) in pudding, shaving cream, sand, salt, etc...on a tray?
ReplyDeleteThanks Momma Snail. :)
ReplyDeleteWe've done finger writing & drawing on sensory trays many times in the past, but not lately. Your right, this might be a good time to set something similar up as a provocation.