For teachers out there, I have a question on dealing with a situation?

Question

I have an issue with some kids when I give them drawing assignments.
I work with second graders
For example, I gave them a puzzle in which they could color how ever they wanted it to be
but I made it clear not to copy anybody elses work
I sit the kids in groups of about 6
the kids within the same group will have very common drawings
the girls all have hearts and rainbows
and the boys will all have some type of angry birds
now my question to you is
how do you solve this issue when you notice that other kids are copying others
and not putting an effort towards coming up with their own original ideas?

Answer 1

They don't know what you mean when you say "Don't copy anyone else's work." They probably think if the picture isn't exactly the same, it isn't copied, just as many high school students believe that if they didn't use the exact words from a source, it isn't plagiarized.



And just about everybody has a hard time, if they're sitting there doing a creative task next to other people who are doing the same task, not getting ideas from what the others are doing.



In any case, second graders still young enough that *you* need to define the task so as to get the outcome that you want. (You have to do it to some extent with just about all learners.) Don't tell them "Don't copy!" Tell them what *to* do, and define the task so that you can move around the room encouraging them to keep going in their own directions rather than to see someone else's picture and think how much more awesome it looks than theirs and then change direction.



"When you notice that other kids are copying others and not putting an effort towards coming up with their own original ideas" is too late. If you notice this, then either the assignment wasn't a good one (if "their own original ideas" is supposed to be a part of it, at least) or you weren't moving from table to table keeping them on task fast enough or well enough or both.



You'll probably need to experiment with coming up with good assignments for second graders that give them enough structure that they aren't looking for ideas on the papers of the kids next to them but yet encourage them to be creative as well, and you should look at some sample curricula for second graders in general, too (though some art ones are going to be vital). It's not a skill that you just automatically have.

Answer 2

Are you a teacher or just a docent? Second grade kids LIKE to draw hearts, rainbows and angry birds. If you don't give them more direction than that, they won't do anything else. Go online and find

second grade art projects. Find out what the art standards are for second grade and base some lessons around those. They copy each other because you aren't giving them ideas. Most 7 year olds aren't that creative. Art at that age should involve some copying because they're still learning fine motor skills. If I have to teach art I always take in a model and tell them that they don't HAVE to copy mine, but they can if they need to.

Answer 3

Little girls always have and always will draw hearts and rainbows. The boys have been playing games on their parents' iPhones.



I agree with the other poster that you need to be modeling an art process for them and giving them an assignment.