FM.F.122 DRAWS SIMPLE PICTURES

Children usually begin to describe or name their drawings before the shapes they make are readily recognisable to others. When your child shows you a pattern of shapes and lines and tells you it is a car, he has made a big step forward – not necessarily in Fine Motor ability, but certainly in his concept of what drawing is about and the purposefulness with which he approaches it.

How to Assess

Method: Observe your child drawing.

Score plus if your child draws a picture and points out 2 features of the picture, such as a car and its wheel or a man and his hair or a house and its door. The picture need not look like the object named, but at least 2 different parts should be discernible. If your child names one only feature of the picture, you can ask him to tell you more about it.

How to Teach

Children love to watch other people drawing, so draw simple pictures for him, naming each part as you go. Let him choose what you will draw, and tell you what else is needed.

When your child is drawing, ask him from time to time to tell you about his drawing. Avoid asking ‘What’s that?’ over and over again – your child may come to feel that something is required of him that he doesn’t understand.

Avoid imposing your own interpretations on his drawings too – he may feel hurt that you think his train looks like a cow. Try making general statements and comments, such as ‘That’s an interesting shape’ or ‘Tell me about these lines’ or ‘Something’s happening in that picture’.

If your child draws a single shape and names it for you, you can gently encourage him to add more by asking questions such as ‘What colour will the wheels be?’ Let him remain in control of his drawing; don’t take it over by making too many direct suggestions.

Let your child be proud of his drawings. Write his name on them – and the name of his drawing, if he is interested in watching you write – and display them prominently.

Remembering and Extending

When your child is confidently drawing real objects, and naming them, you will gradually be able to introduce more direct instruction as you draw with him. Most children love drawing pictures of people they know, so this is a good time to start teaching your child to draw a face.

Encourage your child to make pictures with other materials as well, for example with paste and assorted scraps.