Materials: Pencil and paper, or chalkboard and chalk, etc.
Time Estimate: 5 to 15 minutes
Number of Players: 2 or more
Object of the Game: To cooperatively create a drawing
Skills: Cooperation; Taking turns; Drawing

To Play:
In this game, children take turns adding to an evolving drawing. On each turn, the child adds a feature to the drawing. Children cannot talk while they draw or indicate to their partner(s) what they might have in mind for the completed drawing. The game ends when: (1) everyone agrees the drawing is complete or (2) after a period of time established by the teacher (say, 15 minutes), or (3) everyone has had one turn.

Variations:

Try any of the following:

  • Each child must not lift the pencil from the paper during their turn.
  • Use colored pencils, with each child given one particular color to use.
  • Draw the progressive picture, then have children sit in a circle and make up a progressive story to go along with it.
  • Start the kids off with a drawing that they take turns embellishing. For example, if it’s winter, give them a picture of a couple of stacked circles representing a rudimentary snowman. The children add features to it and the landscape.