Drawing is not just a fun activity to pass the time; it’s actually a valuable skill that can help children express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and enhance their creativity.
While drawing is one of the most foundational skills that children learn in preschool, its benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Encouraging your child’s artistic pursuits at home can be both enjoyable and educational. In this article, we’ll give you a few ideas for helping kids learn to draw so they can be well on their way to becoming a future Picasso!
Benefits of drawing for kids
So, how can drawing help a child’s development?
Before we dive into the tips on how to teach kids to draw, let’s take a moment to understand the diverse benefits that drawing can offer to young minds:
- Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Drawing involves intricate hand and finger movements, which help children refine their fine motor skills, leading to better hand-eye coordination.
- Fosters Creativity: Drawing allows children to unleash their imagination and create unique, colourful worlds on paper. It nurtures creativity and encourages them to think outside the box.
- Boosts Confidence: As children see their skills improve and their artwork evolve, it bolsters their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
- Improves Concentration: Drawing requires focus and attention to detail, helping children build concentration skills that can be valuable in various aspects of life.
- Emotional Outlet: Drawing can be a powerful emotional outlet, allowing children to express their feelings, fears, and dreams through art.
5 tips for teaching your child drawing
Anxious to pick up the paint brush and get started? Here are 5 simple tips on how to teach drawing to kids of all ages:
1. Start early
It’s never too early to introduce your child to drawing. Even before they can properly hold a pencil, you can encourage them to make simple marks and scribbles on paper. After all, even creative illegible scribbles is an important type of play in early years! These early explorations actually help develop a child’s motor skills and familiarity. As they grow, you can introduce more structured activities and drawing exercises suitable for their age.
2. Provide the right materials
Having the right drawing materials is crucial for a child’s artistic journey. Ensure they have access to quality drawing paper, coloured pencils, crayons, markers, and even watercolours. These tools will not only make drawing more enjoyable but also offer a variety of techniques and styles to experiment with.
3. Encourage creativity
Let your child’s imagination run wild! Encourage them to draw whatever they like, whether it’s a purple dinosaur, a floating castle, or a world filled with giant dogs that walk on two legs. Avoid excessive instructions and allow them to explore and express themselves through their art. Emphasise that there’s no right or wrong way to draw, and it’s all about having fun.
4. Be patient
Children progress at their own pace. Expect a lot of random lines and scribbles at first, but don’t be discouraged. It’s all part of the learning process. Be patient and offer positive feedback, focusing on their effort and enthusiasm rather than the final result. Remember that positive reinforcement will keep them motivated and eager to improve.
5. Celebrate progress
Celebrate your child’s progress by displaying their artwork proudly. Whether it’s on the refrigerator, a dedicated art wall, or in a scrapbook, showcasing their work shows them that their efforts are valued. Celebrating their progress fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to keep drawing. Today the fridge gallery, tomorrow the Louvre!
At Aurrum Kids, we’re busy teaching tomorrow’s artists
Teaching your child to draw is a wonderful journey that can help them develop essential skills, boost their creativity, and build their self-confidence. At Aurrum Kids, we prioritise drawing and art both as an educational tool and also as a means of self-expression and personal growth. Our approach to teaching drawing goes beyond creating beautiful pictures; it’s about nurturing a child’s imagination and allowing them to explore the world around them.
At each of our childcare centres, we have well-stocked art rooms where children have access to countless materials and tools, from paints, brushes, and clay to paper, pencils, and more. All this makes for an exciting space where children feel empowered to unleash their creativity and express themselves freely.
Ready to embark on a creative journey with Aurrum Kids? Join us in nurturing your child’s artistic potential and boosting their confidence. Contact us now to book a tour at one of our childcare centres!
Resources for parents
Curious to learn more ideas for helping kids learn to draw? For additional support and inspiration, we recommend considering the following resources:
- Art Classes: Look for local art classes or online courses that can provide structured learning and guidance for your child.
- Art Books for Kids: There are many books designed to help teach kids to draw. These can provide step-by-step instructions and ideas for creative projects.
- Art Museums and Galleries: Visiting art museums and galleries can expose your child to a wide range of artistic styles and inspire their creativity.
Online Communities: Join online forums and social media groups where parents share their children’s artwork along with helpful tips on how to teach drawing to kids, creating a supportive community for you and your child’s artistic endeavours.