Drawing Club is an wonderfully innovative approach we use in our Reception classes to teach Literacy, masterminded by the talented practitioner Greg Bottrill. It brings enchantment to the classroom through storytelling, transforming learning into a magical experience. This method nurtures skills such as fine motor abilities, mathematical concepts, early writing, vocabulary development, and—most importantly—imagination!

Each week, we introduce a captivating text, ranging from picture books to quirky cartoons or charming short films. We discuss elements like the front cover and title, make predictions about the story, and explore its beginning, middle, and end. For visual texts, we engage in lively discussions about the unfolding narrative, linking it to our ongoing topics when appropriate.

To enhance vocabulary, we learn five new words weekly related to the text. The children collaborate to create actions for each word, making vocabulary fun and dynamic. This approach introduces exciting terms while encouraging their use in play.

We spark discussions about the central character and imagine what happens when they activate the 'magic button' on their drawings. We then illustrate settings and embark on imaginary adventures, altering story elements with a sprinkle of magic!

The essence of Drawing Club lies in nurturing our little ones’ imaginations and enhancing their writing skills, making for a delightful journey.