Understanding Your Kid's Crayon Scribbles

Will loves doodling with his crayons, and I’ve been reading about how important kids’ scribbles are to their development in this cool new book, Celebrate the Scribble by two child development experts. From random dots and dashes (9 to 12 months old) through when kids’ art begins to take on more meaning and they actually make up stories about what they’re drawing (24 to 30 months), the book takes you on a journey of how a child’s creativity grows. I now like to spend more time with Will when he’s on the floor drawing and we talk about the colors and shapes. In the above drawing (which looks like just a bunch of different colored lines) he told me how it is Rosie (one of his train engines) and a blue and a yellow and a red and a green and a black sun (these are the dashes). He’s at the stage (2 1/2) where his drawings have meaning and symbolize stuff in his world. It’s a nice reminder to me  to enjoy the chill—just sit with him and watch him draw and ask him tell me all about his creation. I am awed by just watching this little guy become.

Comments

[Lizette Greco]

Hi Barrie,
As a mom I really enjoy reading the Goodyblog and Parents magazine. When I read this post I had to agree with you in my appreciation for kids' drawings, so much that our whole family turned into artists and sew our kids' drawing into soft toys. It's an amazing experience and our children are always delighted to see the results. See it for yourself www.lizettegreco.com

[adrienne]

I can't wait to get my hands on this book. It sounds fascinating!

Thanks for the recommendation- I never would have found this on my own!

[Terry]

I love the collegiate pacifier. It would be a great thing for toddlers and adult sport fans!!

[April]

This is a great find to figure out what my daughter's drawings actually mean to her. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Amanda]

Lizette--COOL stuff. I had a blast looking at all your family's creations. Thanks for the link, I'll definitely bookmark!

[Adrienne V.]

I love getting all my daughter's daily creations. It amazes me how she has progressed from scribbles to "works of art" in such a short time. Now to understand what they really mean is wonderful!

[Janet]

like any family, our refrigerator has become the focal point of our kitchen to display the works of art, many of which we jokingly refer to as "abstract" or "surreal". A book to actually explain the art- WOW!!!!

[Janet]

like any family, our refrigerator has become the focal point of our kitchen to display the works of art, many of which we jokingly refer to as "abstract" or "surreal". A book to actually explain the art- WOW!!!!