Spirit: How To Draw Spirit and Friends (Dreamworks)
How to Train Your Dragon Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Provides step-by-step instructions for drawing the horses and other characters from the animated film, 'Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Spirit
Little Creek
Rain
Colonel
Discussion points
What emotions do you feel when you see the drawings of Spirit and his friends? Can you describe why?
If you could create a new friend for Spirit, what would they look like and what qualities would they have?
How do the illustrations in the book help tell the story of Spirit and his adventures?
Which drawing in the book is your favorite and what do you like the most about it?
How do you think Spirit and his friends feel about each other? What can we learn from their friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore the book with your child, express genuine interest in their perspectives about the artwork and characters.
Encourage your child to describe the scenes or characters in their own words, fostering their narrative skills and imagination.
Connect the themes of friendship and adventure in the book to your child’s own experiences, asking questions like 'Have you ever gone on an adventure with your friends?'
Ask your child to pick their favorite drawing and then draw their version of it together, discussing the choices they make along the way.
Reinforce the emotions depicted in the book by relating them to real-life situations, enhancing emotional intelligence and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Through learning to draw characters from 'Spirit', children are encouraged to express themselves artistically.
Real-World Application: This skill can be applied in school projects or personal hobbies, helping kids to communicate their thoughts and feelings through art.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The book provides step-by-step guidance on drawing techniques, teaching children the importance of following directions to achieve desired outcomes.
Real-World Application: This practice enhances their ability to follow instructions in academic settings or at home, fostering better learning and task completion.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: Drawing can be challenging, and children learn to be patient and persistent as they practice and improve their drawing skills.
Real-World Application: These traits are beneficial in all areas of life, teaching children to persist in the face of challenges, whether in completing homework or learning a new sport.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: As children focus on replicating the characters accurately, they learn to pay attention to detail, which is crucial in creating recognizable artwork.
Real-World Application: This skill is transferable to academic work like writing and mathematics, where detail-oriented tasks are common.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Art
Explanation: By engaging with the artistic styles of 'Spirit and Friends', children gain a deeper appreciation for different forms of visual arts.
Real-World Application: This encourages cultural literacy and can inspire a lifelong appreciation for art, promoting activities such as museum visits or art classes.