Draw What I Draw

Summary: One student describes a picture to another so they can recreate it without looking at it.

Materials:

  • Paper
  • Coloring Supplies
  • Simple pictures or drawings
  • Divider (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Split the group into pairs. Have them sit back to back, or facing each other with a divider in between them.
  2. Give a simple picture or drawing to one student in each pair. Make sure the other student does not see the picture.
  3. Explain that the person with the picture should try to describe it in detail to their partner so that they can replicate the picture without looking at it. Before starting, remind students to use indoor voices so the room doesn’t get too loud.
  4. Once everyone is done, have each pair compare the picture to the drawing.
  5. Repeat the activity, but have students switch roles.

Variations:

  • Instead of working in pairs, have one person describe a picture to the entire group. Compare drawings to see who was able to get the closest to the actual picture.
  • Instead of supplying pictures, have students draw their own pictures to describe to their partners.

Debrief Questions:

  • How did your drawings compare to the original? Were they similar or different?
  • What worked well to describe your picture to your partner? What didn’t work?
  • What is “communication”? Why is communication important when working in pairs?

Activity Length: Medium (15-30 minutes)

Energy Level: Low

Grade Level: 4th, 5th, 6th & Up

Group Size: Large (10+), Medium (5-9), Small (2-4), Pairs