Video Collection

Blackbird & Co. at-a-glance

Welcome to Blackbird and Company!

Where Literacy Takes Flight!

FROM OUR BEGINNING In 2000, Blackbird & Company has been creating language arts materials that inspire delight in the art of learning. Our products have been developed to provide the support for you, and the intellectual scaffolding that will enable your students to move beyond mere reading and writing, toward reading for purpose and writing for real.

True learning entails much more than the gathering of knowledge. We believe all children are endowed with their own creative genius and we are dedicated to providing materials that empower you to discover, protect and promote that unique potential in each child.

Grade Level Collections: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and begin the adventurous journey of literacy.
The first destination on your journey is our Hatchling: Reading, Writing, and Phonics program for Kindergarten and 1st Grade students. From there you will move into our Earlybird: Integrated Literature and Writing materials for 2nd grade students.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Grade Level Collections: 3rd through 5th Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and continue the adventurous journey of literacy.
This stage of the journey is anchored with our Integrated Literature and Writing Discovery guides.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Grade Level Collections: 6th through 8th Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and continue the adventurous journey of literacy.
This stage of the journey is anchored with our Integrated Literature and Writing Discovery guides.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Grade Level Collections: 9th through 12th Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and continue the adventurous journey of literacy.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Writing with Blackbird and Company: Elementary, Middle School, and High School

Learn all about our range of writing materials for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Writing with Blackbird and Company: Storymaker - Early Elementary

Storymaker is a fun, creative teaching tool that will help your early elementary aged students enter the world of writing with joy rather than fear.

UnBoxing - Kindergarten

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 1st Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 2nd Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 3rd Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 4th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 5th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 6th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 7th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 8th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

The BIG Word: Because

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "because"?


The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.



When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Kindness

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "kindness"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Mysterious

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "mysterious"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Octopus

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "octopus"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Picture

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "picture"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Quadrilateral

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "quadrilateral"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Sentence

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "sentence"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Special

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "special"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Squirrel

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "squirrel"?


The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Trustworthy

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "trustworthy"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Understand

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "understand"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

Boy Who Loved Math - Traits of Character #1 - Paul Erdös

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament. But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them.
Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it's true, many of them do. But Paul Erdos never followed the usual path. At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn't learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he traveled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications.
With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made "Uncle Paul" a great man. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013 A New York Times Book Review (from the publisher)

The Shape of the World - Traits of Character #2 - Frank Lloyd Wright

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. When Frank Lloyd Wright was a baby, his mother dreamed that he would become a great architect. She gave him blocks to play with and he learned that shapes are made up of many other shapes. As he grew up, he loved finding shapes in nature. Wright went on to study architecture and create buildings that were one with the natural world around them. He became known as one of the greatest American architects of all time. (from the publisher)

The Noisy Paint Box - Traits of Character #3 - Vasya Kandinsky

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist. But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music? (from the publisher)

Building On Nature - Traits of Character #4 - Antoni Gaudí

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. In a small village in Spain lives a boy named Antoni Gaudí. His home is in Catalonia, a place of jagged mountain peaks and silvery olive trees, splashed by the sparkling sea. The wild beauty of this landscape makes a deep impression. He thinks of it as the Great Book of Nature, and he will read from it all of his life. Gaudí becomes an architect, learning the rules of form and structure that buildings are supposed to follow. But the shapes and colors of the natural world still inspire him, and he works them into his buildings. Leaves climb up walls. Pillars are giant animal feet. A long bench snakes around a playground. Antoni Gaudí turned nature into art, and in the process he revolutionized the world of architecture. (from the publisher)

An Eye for Color - Traits of Character #5 - Josef Albers

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. As a child, Josef Albers loved to watch his handyman father paint houses.When Josef grew up and became an artist, he reduced each image to its simplest shapes, breaking it down into blocks of color. He made an incredible discovery: he could alter the entire mood of a painting just by changing the way he combined the colors! Josef spent his entire life studying color, and what he found revolutionized the way people look at art. (from the publisher)

Summer Birds - Traits of Character #6 - Maria Merian

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. In the Middle Ages, people believed that insects were evil, born from mud in a process called spontaneous generation. Maria Merian was only a child, but she disagreed. She watched carefully as caterpillars spun themselves cocoons, which opened to reveal summer birds, or butterflies and moths. Maria studied the whole life cycle of the summer birds, and documented what she learned in vibrant paintings. This is the story of one young girl who took the time to observe and learn, and in so doing disproved a theory that went all the way back to ancient Greece. (from the publisher)

Look Up - Traits of Character #7 - Henrietta Leavitt

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. Henrietta Swan Leavitt was born on July 4, 1868, and she changed the course of astronomy when she was just twenty-five years old. Henrietta spent years measuring star positions and sizes from photographs taken by the telescope at the Harvard College Observatory, where she worked. After Henrietta observed that certain stars had a fixed pattern to their changes, her discovery made it possible for astronomers to measure greater and greater distances—leading to our present understanding of the vast size of the universe. (from the publisher)

Marvelous Mattie - Traits of Character #8 - Margaret E. Knight

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. With her sketchbook labeled My Inventions and her father's toolbox, Mattie could make almost anything – toys, sleds, and a foot warmer. When she was just twelve years old, Mattie designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off textile looms and injuring workers. As an adult, Mattie invented the machine that makes the square-bottom paper bags we still use today. However, in court, a man claimed the invention was his, stating that she "could not possibly understand the mechanical complexities." Marvelous Mattie proved him wrong, and over the course of her life earned the title of "the Lady Edison." (from the publisher)

Queen of Computer Code - Traits of Character #9 - Grace Hopper

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys. With a wealth of witty quotes, and richly detailed illustrations, this book brings Hopper's incredible accomplishments to life.

Mama Miti - Traits of Character #10 - Wangari Maathai

Blackbird & Company's "Operation Lexicon: Traits of Character" is a golden opportunity to explore the wonder of words that describe human characteristics. The English language has a plethora of words for describing people—their diverse personality, their diverse character and their diverse temperament.
But don't just learn the words, meet the characters! Listen and follow along as you learn about significant people and acquire new vocabulary to describe them. Today, more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree—and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to positively impact the future. (from the publisher)

Elementary Writing

Middle & High School Writing

Primary Writing

Section 5 Project

Lets Talk Literacy

Learn to inspire your students to become competent readers, writers, and thinkers, over time, with our exceptional ELA curriculum.

Write Away: Empowering Student Ideas

The reluctant writer is not a rarity, it’s what happens to all of us when we're faced with the daunting task of writing perfect words. Join us to discover simple strategies to inspire your students to courageously stare down the blank page, lift the pencil, and write away.

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #1: Phonics Terminology - Workbook 1C

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #2: Heavy Sounds and Vowels - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #3: Light Sounds - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #4: Sound Strategies Pt. 1 - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #5: Sound Strategies Pt. 2 - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #6: Digraphs - Workbook 1G

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #7: The "Qu" Rule - Workbook 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #8: Consonant Blends - Workbooks 1D, 1E & 1F

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #9: Sight Words - Practice and Review

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #10: Painless Interactive Journaling

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #1: Introduction

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #2: Long "A" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2A

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #3: Long "E" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2A

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #4: Long "I" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2A & 2B

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #5: Long "O" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2B

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 1 Warm Up - Dot-Dot-Line

This week we will be practicing drawing short, straight lines. Normally, when writing with a pencil, we use our fingers to make the small lines and curves needed for letters, but for art drawing we want to use larger motions. This exercise will begin to help us use our arm motion to create clean lines like the masters of drawing.
Draw two dots an inch or two apart from each other. Connect them with a straight line. Make sure to move your arm when drawing this line and to move at a medium fast speed.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 1 Observation - Basilica with a many-domed tribune

The goal this week is to draw connected to your observations. Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to study and trace the sections of the drawing you choose. Then, use the space below to sketch a thumbnail of your observation to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with what you will draw, move to a clean sheet in your drawing journal. Start by drawing a single line and move on by carefully following connections to that line. How does the line connect to neighboring lines? Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly and to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 2 Warm Up - Hatching

This week we will be diving into the world of hatching. This technique is one of the most important things you can master as an artist. Used by everyone from the great masters of the Renaissance to modern comic book artists, hatching is the go-to technique for creating shading in line drawings.
Draw short lines parallel to each other. Each line should be drawn with one quick motion starting with your pencil on the paper and ending with it lifting off. Try to make all your lines the same length so you end with a sort of rectangular shape of grouped lines. Try putting your lines closer together or further apart.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 2 Observation - Design for a stable with automatic feed

The goal this week is not to copy the entire drawing, but rather, to copy sections
of Da Vinci’s line work used in this drawing into your drawing journal. Look at the geometry of the linework, the directional lines and overall patterns. Focus also on how the lines create texture.
Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to study and trace the sections you choose. Then, use the space below to do a thumbnail of the portion of the drawing you will focus on to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with these sections, start sketching each into your journal. Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly, adjusting pressure as needed to vary line weight. Always try to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 3 Warm Up - Stars

This week’s exercise will help us recognize the weak points in our abilities. In drawing any line there are always going to be movements that are more natural and others that feel awkward. Drawing lines in all directions (even the more difficult ones) will help our confidence grow.
Draw a single dot on your paper. From this dot, draw quick straight lines moving outwards in all directions without moving your paper. Some of the lines should feel very natural to draw and others will feel uncomfortable.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 3 Observation - Water supply for a city with two levels

The goal this week is not to copy the entire drawing, but rather, to copy sections of Da Vinci’s line work used in this drawing into your drawing journal. Look at the geometry of the linework, the directional lines and overall patterns. Think about this drawing mathematically. What shapes and patterns do you notice?
Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to study and trace the sections you choose. Then use the space below to do a thumbnail of the portion of the drawing you will focus on to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with these sections, start sketching each into your journal. Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly, adjusting pressure as needed to vary line weight. Always try to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 4 Warm Up - "C" Curves

This week’s exercise will help us recognize the weak points in our abilities. In drawing any line there are always going to be movements that are more natural and others that feel awkward. Drawing lines in all directions (even the more difficult ones) will help our confidence grow.
Draw a single dot on your paper. From this dot, draw quick straight lines moving outwards in all directions without moving your paper. Some of the lines should feel very natural to draw and others will feel uncomfortable.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 4 Observation - Coix, or Job’s-tears

The goal this week is to copy the entire drawing into your journal. What do you observe about the texture and the weight the linework? Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to actively study and trace sections to warm up your understanding of the drawing. Then use the space below to do a thumbnail of the portion of the drawing you will focus on to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with the plan, start sketching directly into your drawing journal. Always begin with an anchor line to which other lines will attach. Be sure to use the entire page. This means you may have to scale your drawing to fit. Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly, adjusting pressure as needed to vary line weight. Always try to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 5 Warm Up - "S" Curves

This week, in continuation of last week’s rudiment, we will be drawing S curves. The S curve is really just a combination of two C curves, but combining these two mirrored movements can be surprisingly difficult.
Draw a medium to large S on your paper. Make sure to draw using arm motion and not finger or wrist motion. Begin by moving slowly so you understand the shape, then gradually try to speed up your movement. Try drawing your S shapes in different directions.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 5 Observation - Profile of a young woman

The goal this week is to choose a section with the viewfinder to enlarge into your drawing journal. Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to actively study and trace this section to warm up your understanding of the drawing. Then use the space below to do a thumbnail of the drawing to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with the drawing, start sketching directly into your drawing journal. Always begin with an anchor line to which other lines will attach. Be sure to use the entire page. This means you may have to scale your drawing to fit. Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly, adjusting pressure as needed to vary line weight. Always try to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 6 Warm Up - Triangles/Squares

This week we will be drawing some of our very basic shapes: triangles and squares. These shapes are made up of straight lines and drawing them requires quick and direct movements, utilizing our eyes to aim where we want our hands to go.
Drawing small triangles and squares. Every side of each shape you draw should be a single line drawn with a single quick motion. Try to envision what you want your shape to look like before you draw.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 6 Observation - Partial view of a city with two levels

The goal this week is to choose an area of focus to draw into your journal. Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to actively study and trace sections of linework to warm up your understanding of the drawing. Then, use the space below to do a thumbnail of the portion of the drawing you will focus on to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with the drawing, sketch an enlarged section directly into your drawing journal. Always begin with an anchor line to which other lines will attach. Be sure to use the entire page. This means you may have to scale your drawing to fit. Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly, adjusting pressure as needed to vary line weight. Always try to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Songs with Shirean: 5 Green Speckled Frogs

Sing and subtract along with Mrs. Williams this fun nursery rhyme as five speckled frogs hop off the speckled log and into the cool, cool pool!

Songs with Shirean: Take Me Home, Country Roads

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to John Denver’s classic folk song and learn about the beauty of the world around us.

Songs with Shirean: Grandma's Feather Bed

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to a heartwarming classic folk song about family, made famous by John Denver.

Songs with Shirean: Puff the Magic Dragon

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to this classic American folk song by Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton, made famous by Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Songs with Shirean: What a Wonderful World

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to a wonderful, wonderful song by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele made famous by Louis Armstrong.