"I can't draw!"

One of the problems I have encountered in trying to teach art in primary schools is in having to overcome an attitude of "I can't draw!". On a recent visit to the Royal Academy in London I came across a delightful storybook that addresses this very problem. First published by Walker books Ltd in 2003, award-winning children's author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds's "The Dot" is the delightful story of how Vashti starts with this exact attitude but goes on to exhibit at the school art show. What makes the difference for Vashti is the value her teacher places on her 'dot'. This book is really a great example of how to inspire creativity in others.

If you are experiencing just this kind of resistance to art-making in the classroom, why not start an art lesson with a reading of this book and then challenge the children to make their own marks in art!

By the way, not only is this an inspirational book (both for pupils and teachers) but the author's own website is something of an inspiration itself. Check it out here and let your own creativity loose.