How to Draw Expressions

Dana Simpson, author of the widely-celebrated Phoebe and Her Unicorn series, has provided an easy-to-follow guide on how to draw expressions. Middle-grade students will quickly be able to relate to Phoebe’s unlikely friendship with a mythical creature. After all, what childhood friendship DOESN’T feel a little magical? After they’ve read a few books and gone on a few adventures with Phoebe and Marigold, you can introduce them to the behind-the-scenes methods of drawing and creating comics.

Communicating emotions with facial expressions is something everyone learns from a young age. However, it’s a totally different story to try and draw them. Luckily, our how to draw expressions guide walks readers through it step-by-step. Not only is this a fun way to get creative, it’s also the perfect opportunity to chat with your students about how we communicate our feelings to others. Phoebe can tell when Marigold is sad when she sees her ears drooping. Marigold knows Phoebe is surprised when her eyes get reeeeally wide. It’s important for your students to be able to recognize those feelings in themselves and in others, so this activity can be the perfect introduction into that conversation. Plus, who wouldn’t love the chance to draw a laughing unicorn?!