Drawing Spirals

They help make a clear transition, for example between the rest of the school day and a creative activity.
They can be used to introduce new materials.
They can set the scene.
They can open minds and challenge misconceptions.
They can plant seeds of new ideas or ways of working.
They provide a way to enable the children to explore through a guided activity.
They can help boost confidence.
They can demonstrate intention.
They help children follow instructions.
They can provide a starting point for later reflection.
They provide the opportunity for repeated practice
They can surprise, wake up, or settle down a jaded class.

The outcome of the warm up should help create a bridge to the beginning of the main drawing session. Think about where you want to take the children to in the main session (i.e. is it about a material, a technique, a concept…?) and work backwards from there.
Consider potential stumbling blocks both in the main session and in the warm up. Can you split the activities up into smaller stages to help overcome these?
Think about where the children are at NOW in terms of experience. What new experiences or foci would you like them to have?
Keep it simple, small, short – do not overload a warm up exercise.
Do it yourself: what is it really like to do what you’re asking them to do?
Leave time at the end for reflection as a group to share experiences.