Drawing the Writing Process:
The process of drawing a picture is analogous to composing a piece of writing. In fact, young
students often begin to communicate through pictures and drawings. Both processes entail
creation and critical review. Imagine that a student wants to convey a picture of his home to
others.
In the pre-drawing phase of the drawing process, the student may go
outside to look at his home to consider whether to focus on the home or to
include its immediate surroundings or the larger environment – making
decisions about whether to narrow or expand the focus of the drawing. The
student may sketch the scene in preparation for the drawing. The student is
focused on the creation.
Pre-drawing is like pre-writing in that the student is engaged in
planning.
In the drafting phase of the drawing process, the student attempts to
portray his home situated in the planned scene. The student applies details
that bring the home into focus: windows, doors, bricks or siding, sidewalks,
grass, flowers, and trees, adjoining home (for a row house), multiple floors
or buildings (for an apartment). The student maintains his focus on the
creation of the picture.
The drafting phase for drawing is like the drafting phase for writing
in that the student gets the basic idea and key details on the page
while putting aside improvements that can come later in the process.
In the revising phase of the drawing process, the student stands back from
his picture to engage in critical review. He may decide to add detail and
color elements to improve the content of his picture. In addition, the student
may invite and incorporate feedback from the teacher and peers.
Revising a drawing is like revising a piece of writing in that the
creator has adopted a critical view of his work and is intent on
improving the content.
The student engages in critical review again during the editing phase of the
drawing process and concentrates on ensuring a correct picture of his home.
To that end, the student may sharpen lines and erase stray marks.
Editing a drawing is like editing a piece of writing since the student
has again adopted a critical perspective and the emphasis is on
correctness.
During the publishing phase the student prepares the drawing for viewing.
He may frame the piece and hang it in a prominent place to display for an
audience.
Publishing a drawing and a piece of writing are similar in that both
are focused on making the work audience-ready.