Drawing activities in school are sometimes restricted to certain areas. It is majorly done among preschoolers, kindergartners, elementary classes, but as the students move to the upper classes, the time dedicated to the activity reduces. Moreso, drawing can be used as part of diverse subjects such as science, technical majors, ELA and so on. As kids begin to engage in writing, they begin to lose sight of their drawing skills. Other activities shouldn’t eliminate drawing activities among kids. It should be given priority as an instructional material as well as a great tool for learning disabilities.
L.S. Vygotsky explained that drawings are a representation of children’s narrative thought which he termed as the graphical speech that enables them to interpret their perception of the world.
Drawing is an activity that has existed from time immemorial and it is engaged in by the young and old. It is an artistic expression for many kids even before they start to write. The germane question here is, “why should kids learn to draw?” and have decided to answer the question in this post.
There are many advantages to kids learning how to draw or knowing the art of sketching etc. It can enhance their motor skills, a form of stress relief as well as the unleashing of their creative and innovative capabilities. All these can be termed as developmental assistance to kids of all ages.
Alongside the developmental aids, kids learning to draw can provide endless fun for them. It enables them to explore their feelings/emotions in a unique style as well as an avenue to give free reign to their imaginative capabilities. Hence, this activity or art can be used to help kids develop creatively. So, get ready to assist them in order to become great artists.
Why should kids learn to draw? Here are what you should consider in response to that question;
Drawing stages is a reflection of kids developmental levels
Every kid’s artistic output is unique as in line with a universal system of development. Kids go through the same developmental stages and the only variation is the ages. The initial stage is where little kids learn to create marks on their drawing pad known as “exploration”. The aim of this stage is to make kids continuously practice and repeat the process.
Image: Disegni Fiori
As a result, they can have a better grip of their pen and pencil when drawing circular patterns and lines. When kids consistently draw circles, lines; there will be the emergence of objects. The other stages include kids drawing to make objects, people and images; that is, the ability to reproduce their feelings or thoughts on their drawing paper. As they go on, aesthetic drawings will emerge.
Drawing develops concentration and refined motor abilities
Drawing enables the development of focus and concentration skills as well as refined motor abilities in kids. It makes kids able to build their hand-eye coordination and a focus on a specific detail. Drawing activities involve the use of both sides of the brain; the left side conducts the right side of the brain and is in charge of the drawing skill. The two sides of the brain complement one another to increase kids’ attention span.
Image: Dibujos Faciles
Additionally, drawing enhances the use of kids’ fingers and hands muscles that refine their motor skills. With the development of tho skills, kids can carry out other tasks such as writing, using hand tools, tying etc effectively.
Drawing is a communication tool
Drawing activities is an avenue for communicating and expression. When kids learn to draw, they can release their emotion, showcase thief thoughts without needing words to do so. A lot of kids feel free to let out their emotions through images or drawing activities.
Drawing helps kids to see the world.
Drawing is a window to the outside world. When they learn to draw, they can depict the world around them through the representation of images viewed. This involves coping with what is seen in their environment, homes, and so many and transferring the images to their papers, pads, books etc. This in turn builds their literacy capabilities. It is a great way to have fun, be creative and relaxed.
Evidence from studies expatiate the necessity of drawing as human perception of the world. It is said that visualization by humans is based on the color, angles, lines, shapes, patterns and so on that can be seen all around. To see the world, it doesn’t require being a professional artist first. Drawing activities taken seriously by kids of all ages makes them develop their observation skills and use it where necessary.
Kids gain knowledge on other subjects
Yes, drawing can be used to learn other subjects. Kids can be engaged to use their drawing activities to learn maths, sciences, technical drawing, fine/visual arts and so on. Kids can use their drawing activities to learn math concepts, scientific images. It can ignite their creative capabilities to imagine and think within and outside the box.
Drawing involves Illustration which is an essential aspect to the composition of writing at the lower level. Drawing can be used to help kids understand lessons faster than what is written. Kids draw to take in what is being taught and to communicate thought. Drawing activities is a great tool for reinforcing learning at all levels.
Drawing activities is Therapeutic
Drawing is therapeutic as if enabling kids to let their emotions and thoughts show through the images created. Drawing can aid their ability to deal with difficulties. It is a great destresser that enables them to relax. With drawing activities kids can be able to communicate their struggles in order to feel better.
In conclusion, there are many reasons for kids to learn how to draw. Through this activity, kids can unwind, have endless fun as well as develop valuable skills for lifetime achievements. Don’t discourage kids from engaging in this awesome activity; it might be the perfect way to make them better in all aspects.
