How to Teach a Toddler to Draw

Drawing with a crayon or pencil can be a lot of fun for a toddler. Start with learning basic shapes and how to draw them. Next, practice simple pictures using the basic shapes. While he may not create a masterpiece, he will be able to express himself by drawing pictures in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Teach your toddler to hold a pencil correctly and write with it comfortably. If your child hasn't mastered the proper pencil grasp, he can still draw, but keep working with him until he gets it.

2. Let your child color in different shapes you sketch. Stick to the basic shapes, starting with a square, circle and triangle. Point out the difference in the things you draw.

3. Have your toddler trace the shapes and lines. Use tracing paper or illustrate shapes with dotted lines and allow her to copy the lines.

4. Give your toddler an example of an easy drawing on a piece of paper. Outline a square house with a tree. Give him a piece of paper and tell him to copy the picture you have drawn. Even if it isn't similar, be sure to compliment and encourage him.

5. Tell your toddler to draw a shape or a simple object like a house. After a lot of practice tracing and copying your drawings, verbally request that your toddler draw something. You may be amazed at what she can draw without any help or anything to copy.

Tips & Warnings

• If he doesn't get it right away don't get disappointed or pushy. Toddlers notice things quickly, but also have very short attention spans.
• Keep the work time to a minimum and the workspace friendly and inviting.
• Always use verbal cues so your toddler learns to associate the names with the shapes and objects you are drawing.
• Don't spend too much time "teaching." Play games and make it about coloring the pictures. Have fun with this project.