Each step builds on the one before. Students learn to see a reindeer as a few simple shapes, then add the details that make it theirs.
Before you start: a pencil, an eraser, a sheet of paper and something to colour with.
Draw lightly at first. Dark lines come at the end, once the shapes look right.
Step-by-step: how to draw a reindeer
Step 1. Face
Draw the big egg-shaped face.
Step 2. Ears
Add two leaf-shaped ears.
Step 3. Antlers
Draw the antlers with three branches on each side.
Step 4. Eyes
Add two round eyes with little shine dots.
Step 5. Nose
Draw the big round nose.
Step 6. Mouth
Add the smile under the nose.
Step 7. Scarf
Wrap a scarf under the chin.
Step 8. Scarf tail
Add the hanging end of the scarf.
Step 9. Scarf stripes
Draw two stripes on the scarf.
Step 10. Snowflakes
Add three snowflakes.
Step 11. Create
Make one part completely yours.
The pink line is the new part in each step.
Make it theirs
- Add falling snow with dots or tiny stars.
- Draw a second, smaller one beside it.
- Fold the paper and turn it into a card for someone at home.
- Colour last. There is no wrong colour for a reindeer.
Teaching it with the projector
The projector version draws each step slowly on the board, pauses while students copy it, then checks in before the next step. Nobody has to talk, so you are free to walk around and help.
Quick Fix: 8 steps, about 5 minutes. Good for a brain break or the last few minutes before recess. Full Focus: all 11 steps, about 10 minutes, with the extra detail.
Open Cozy Reindeer on the projector → It works on any classroom screen. No accounts, no student names, no ads.
Curriculum connections
Visual arts: the elements of design (line, shape and pattern) and creating art for a purpose. Language: listening to and following multi-step directions. Directed drawing also builds fine motor control and focus.