Well…unfortunately we’ve probably all been lucky enough to experience that. And I don’t know about you but NOBODY taught me what to do when this happens. Whether it’s a broken finger, hand, wrist, arm, etc. it’s a tough thing to accommodate in the art room. Although I am no expert, I have come up with some creative ways to accommodate those students in the past.

The first thing I always talk to these students about is, although it’s awkward and not ideal, we are going to attempt to use their non dominant hand and see how it goes. It helps them build strength in that hand, more control and is just kind of a fun challenge. I always allow the student to be a part of the decision making process to determine what they are most comfortable with. 

An easy go to is to do a more difficult step of the project for the student and have them complete what they are capable of. For example, I just recently completed a project where students were making a project that required them to trace a template they made themselves and then color. To assist this student, I traced her template and only asked her to color. I make sure to remind these students it’s okay to take a break because that hand is going to get tired! I tell them to stop every few minutes and stretch their hand, fingers, arms, massage anything that’s sore…it seems to do the trick. 

Maybe what material you’re using just is not going to work for the student, think outside of the box and let them use a different material! Think something that requires a little less control and is less technical. Again, it would be great to get a student’s preference on this and allow them to help lead their own experience.

Allow them to go more abstract! Take that pressure off of something looking picture perfect and polished and encourage them to make it more abstract. Let it be messy, let it look silly, let it be a unique learning experience for the student. 

Totally different project…I know, I know…no one wants to hear that but some times, that may be the only thing that works. The experience isn’t a one size fits all for every teacher, every project and every student. So when you know you have a student that won’t be able to use their dominant hand to work, try to think ahead of how you are going to help accommodate them instead of having to come up with an idea spur of the moment. 

What are some unique things you’ve had students with a dominant hand that’s out of commission do to create their art?

Keep blending,

Hayley