Children have an early and natural urge to draw, but practitioners need to offer them ample resources and encourage them to think about and discuss their efforts afterwards.

Suffolk Early Years and Childcare Service (Suffolk County Council) offers advice.

Drawing is one of the six areas of artistic experience that should be available to children within the Early Years Foundation Stage, the others being painting, collage, textiles, 3D and printmaking.

Drawing and mark-making are meaningful experiences for children and it is through such experiences that children can communicate their unique ideas about themselves and the world around them, express their feelings and develop their imagination and creativity (DCSF 2008).

A 'blank canvas' can become anything a child wants it to be. The final picture (graphical representation) tells only part of the story. What is important is the creative process and, as practitioners, it is important that we understand, acknowledge and support that process through:

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here