Non-Fiction Features in Digital Painting

At the beginning of the school year, I introduce first graders to the various ways of interacting with the mouse and keyboard by using simple paint software.  We currently use Appleworks in our Media Center, but there are many updated and free paint programs (Mac or Windows) that would work just as well.

Simply by using the paintbrush, drawing shapes, moving objects, and adding words students are developing a variety of technical skills.  Some of the important computer interface skills younger students develop with painting software include clicking, clicking and dragging, double-clicking, and typing with the keyboard.  Once students become proficient with the physical skills, it’s time to integrate these new technical skills with relevant classroom content.

Throughout the year, 1st graders at my school learn about features of written non-fiction pieces with their classroom teacher (on Twitter and her blog).  A few specific non-fiction elements that translate very well into painting software are diagrams with labels, attaching lines, and titles.

There are a few ways to go about the creation of the image part of the diagram.  I typically have students start out by making a diagram out of clip art so they can focus on adding text labels, lines connecting those labels to the appropriate areas, and titles with appropriate size and typeface.  

After students have experience making a diagram out of clip art, students are ready to make a diagram with an image they’ve created using the painting and drawing tools.  I want them all to have at least 3 separate labels, but encourage them to add as many labels as they want.  I am always incredibly impressed with their finished products!

Here’s a few samples (or you can view the whole classroom gallery at my school’s digital showcase):