How to Draw Pictures With Kids

Children need little more than a pencil and paper to give their imagination free rein.

Drawing nurtures cognitive growth in children by boosting imagination and dexterity, according to artist and elementary school teacher Nancy Beal. Drawing with kids is an invigorating exercise for parents, teachers and caretakers, while their children enjoy a focused, observational activity. With patience and a knack for stimulating the flow of creative juices in kids' minds, along with a few basic tools, you can spark a potential lifelong hobby for youngsters.

Instructions

1. Draw a picture with them so that you're part of the activity instead of just a supervisor. Children often mimic behavior of their authority figure, says Dr. Christine Carter of the University of California at Berkeley.

2. Demonstrate to the children how to properly hold a drawing utensil. Show them that pencils and charcoal make fine lines when held vertically and shaded lines when tilted horizontally.

3. Point to a an object in the room and ask the kids what shapes they see. Draw those shapes in a way that geometrically expresses the figure. Encourage them to make mistakes, overlap lines and erase.

4. Offer small children help with technique by guiding their hands with a steady hand to draw round circles and straight lines. Then allow them to draw freely.

5. Draw an example of an object with perspective, that is, that appears three-dimensional. Then explain to the children how certain angles and lines can create the appearance of depth. Use a piece of furniture, preferably square or rectangular, and have them observe it closely while mimicking the line patterns on their paper.

6. Give examples of facial expressions, even if they're simple cartoon versions. Have the kids draw a series of circles and ask them to draw how each circle is feeling. Make the facial expressions yourself and ask them to draw your head.

7. Color your drawings if you desire, and have the kids sign their names. Hang the pictures. This will create a sense of pride and accomplishment while encouraging kids to draw more.

Tips & Warnings

• Drawing should be fun and non-competitive for kids. If you draw with a group of kids, positively encourage each style or skill level while offering advice.

• Ask them about their ideas or give them a prompt -- some kids will draw immediately and others might start off more confidently with an idea you give them.

References

• "Raising Happiness: Ten Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents"; Christine Carter;CC 2010.
• "The Art of Teaching Art to Children at School and at Home"; Nancy Beal; 2001.

Resources

• Artists Helping Children: How to Draw