- 1). Show the child how to hold a drawing implement. Very young children may take some time to learn how to grasp pens or pencils properly, but they will figure it out with repeated encouragement and time. Experiment with crayons and pencils of different sizes and thicknesses until you find the one that best suits the child's grip.
- 2). Draw straight lines and curved lines on a piece of paper and encourage the child to copy. If necessary, guide the child's hand with yours until the child learns the movements required to make various lines.
- 3). Give children simple pictures to copy. At about 26 months, most children will become interested in drawing objects and figures rather than just scribbles. Encourage them by asking what they have drawn, even if the shape is not obvious to you.
- 4). Encourage toddlers to use a variety of colored pencils and name the colors as they choose them.
- 5). Provide outline drawings for them to color in. Do not criticize if they add scribbles or draw outside the lines, but encourage them to draw within the lines as a way to develop coordination.
- 6). Display pictures the children have drawn. This will give them confidence and encourage them to draw more.
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