I am in a love hate relationship with 2 pt perspective- I LOVE that with a certain few rules, any student can find success- that it isn't about the talent, but the willingness to follow a set of directions. I HATE the ongoing fussing at my students over the use/misuse of their rulers/partner-pokers. It's a skill that we are required to teach in 4th grade as part of our MNPS standards, and, over the years, I've learned a few tricks. First, on the opening lesson day, I hand papers and rulers, and we just make cubes-no worrying about it having to look like anything- just practicing. I send the paper home with them that day- no grading/not a test/no pressure. I also send them a xerox copy of one of my drawings so they have all the answers, and I send home a cartoon tutoring sheet. When they come back, we worry about making a city. And, I start off with them, gradually making them do more on their own. I find that there is usually one person at every table who "gets" it quick (usually the math/science student). And, I have learned to relax- not worry as much about perfect and approach this with a sense of humor. Soooo- this year, I required 3 buildings, a few doors/windows, and the sidewalk and street. After that, they could add whatever- some added signs and words, others made ghosts and aliens.
