Each step builds on the one before. Students learn to see a scarecrow 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 scarecrow
Step 1. Post
Draw the tall post.
Step 2. Crossbar
Draw the crossbar.
Step 3. Head
Draw a round head.
Step 4. Hat
Add a floppy hat.
Step 5. Face
Draw the eyes, a triangle nose and a stitched smile.
Step 6. Shirt
Draw the shirt.
Step 7. Sleeves
Stretch the sleeves along the bar.
Step 8. Straw hands
Add straw coming out of the sleeves.
Step 9. Patches
Sew on two patches.
Step 10. Crow
Add a little crow on the hat.
Step 11. Ground and pumpkin
Draw the ground and a pumpkin.
Step 12. Create
Make one part completely yours.
The pink line is the new part in each step.
Make it theirs
- Add a background: a fence, falling leaves or a pumpkin patch.
- Write one thing you are thankful for underneath.
- Colour it with fall colours only: red, orange, yellow and brown.
- Colour last. There is no wrong colour for a scarecrow.
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 12 steps, about 10 minutes, with the extra detail.
Open Friendly Scarecrow 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.