FM.F.124 PAINTS SHAPES ON LARGE PAPER

This item checks whether the child is using his drawing skills with other media, rather than just with paper and crayons. Most children, when they begin painting, are happy to cover the paper with a single colour or to make large blobs of colour. Making controlled shapes with the paint usually comes well after the child has begun to make controlled shapes with a crayon.

How to Assess

Materials: A large sheet of paper, preferably on an easel. 3 or 4 tubs of paint and brushes.

Method: Observe your child while painting.

Score plus if your child paints large shapes such as circles and lines. He may then proceed to paint completely over these shapes, but can still score plus.

How to Teach

The more your child experiences paint, the sooner he will start to experiment with effects other than that of covering the paper.

Paint with your child and give him opportunities to watch other children painting.

Praise him for any controlled shapes he makes: ‘That’s a big circle’ or ‘I like those long blue lines.’

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Tape several large sheets of paper to an outside wall, to make a huge area of paper, and play an imitation game with your child. You draw a long, long line and ask him to copy you. Draw a row of spots and let him copy those. Then try an enormous circle. Ask your child to draw a shape for you to copy.

Remembering and Extending

Once your child is confidently drawing simple pictures (FM.F.122) you can suggest that he includes his favourite subject in his paintings too.