Let’s Draw Together
Activity Summary
In this activity students work in groups and will gather around a long/big piece of paper with writing/collage material, to sum up, synthesise, land and deepen their learning on a given topic, by visually sharing what they have learned about the topic taught. End by asking students to communicate to their peers, what they have learned based on their visual synthesising. They will end by having a big piece of paper summarising what they have learned. This activity will also enhance the memory of the learning, as drawing and visual communication supports memory.
Activity Plan
1
5 mins
Setting the scene:
Gather students in their groups around a big/ long piece of paper. Spread materials for drawing/collaging all around the paper so all students can access.
Explain that this is the conclusion for learning about the topic they have worked with in the given subject.
Through visual communication the students will have time (max. 30 minutes) to draw/collage their main learning within the topic they have worked with in the last period of time.
2
30 mins
The students have time to sit around the paper and draw their main learning from the topic they have learned about. They are free to add keywords to their drawings. Consider using music to enhance the positive and creative atmosphere and for them to focus into their own creative zone.
3
5 mins
When the time is over, ask all to stand up and take a walk around and see what their peers have drawn.
4
10 mins
While still standing around the paper, ask the students to share and sum up their main learning from working with the topic. Ask them to speak from their visualisations so that their peers can remember the learning easier.
Tips & Tricks
- If the students feel stuck or find it hard to communicate, you might benefit from introducing main symbols they can use in their visual communication – e.g. a spiral means development/change, a stick figure symbolises a character/person, etc. Be intuitive and simple with the symbols and let students interpret the symbols in their own way.
- For a cosy and casual environment that sparks more creativity, play inspiring music in the background for the students to create.
- Depending on time for this activity consider whether this will be made through drawings and/or collages.
Additional Resources
If curious about learning how memory and drawing is connection: https://www.edutopia.org/article/science-drawing-and-memory/