Art and Chalk Drawings

General Overview of the method:
This is a way to allow students to incorporate doing art into Bible study. It allows a creative interpretation of the lesson studied and gives those artistic students the opportunity to respond in a way they are more comfortable with. I know that when I draw out my feelings it not only looks pretty but it all comes out and it’s something between just me and God. You are the only one who knows what you are saying in your picture. It’s a great way to respond to the word.

Age Level:
I would recommend this for children and youth but I think adults could benefit from this approach too. It’s good for youth because sometimes it’s hard to express in words how you are feeling and it’s a good alternative way to speak without words. Children like art and creative things. They are still developing and the need a creative way to see God.

Specific Materials/Supplies/Handouts Required:
o Something to draw on
o Something to draw with
o Bible

Step by step instructions for the model:
After you give your lesson open up with the possibility to draw your response to what you learned. You could take a big piece of black fabric and set out chalk to draw with. Have your students go back and draw what they are feeling and thinking on the big banner. You could also hand out paper and drawing utensils. It should be a time when your students can reflect on what was being said without saying anything. It’s a free way to express many feelings and thoughts without judgment from other students.

Evaluation of the model (strengths/weaknesses):
It’s a neat way to get your students to express themselves without asking them to talk aloud. It can be a silly way of doing things if the participants don’t like to draw or feel uncomfortable. The thing is you don’t have to be an artist to express yourself with art.