Here are several effective ways to encourage children to create larger drawings:
Tips to Encourage Large Drawings
Here's a breakdown of techniques to help children embrace larger-scale drawing:
1. Skip the Pencil: Use Oil Pastels or Crayons
Instead of starting with a pencil, provide kids with oil pastels or crayons. The bolder medium naturally encourages larger, more expressive marks and discourages small, hesitant lines. This immediately shifts their focus to filling space.
2. Paper and Finger Placement: Emphasize Paper Size
Draw attention to the size of the paper. Before they begin, have the child hold their hand up to the paper and consider how much space their drawing will take up. Talk about filling the entire page with their creation. Guide their finger placement to help them visualize the boundaries and encourage them to utilize the whole surface.
3. Utilize Templates for Inspiration
Templates can provide a starting point and encourage kids to think bigger from the outset. Using large stencils or pre-drawn shapes will give them a framework to fill, prompting them to create on a larger scale.
4. Draw with a Paintbrush
Using a paintbrush instead of traditional drawing tools can also lead to larger drawings. The feel of the brush and the way paint flows encourage broader strokes and more expansive compositions. Consider using thicker paints to make a bolder impact.
Additional Considerations
- Provide Large Paper: Ensure you offer appropriately sized paper, such as large sheets of newsprint, butcher paper, or easel paper.
- Create a Comfortable Workspace: Make sure the child has ample room to move around and access all parts of the paper easily. Drawing on the floor or a large table can be helpful.
- Encourage Experimentation: Allow the child to experiment with different techniques and materials. Freedom to explore is key to developing confidence and a willingness to take risks with size.
- Focus on the Process, Not Perfection: Emphasize the joy of creating and exploring, rather than focusing on the finished product. This will help the child feel less pressure to create something "perfect" and more willing to experiment with size.
- Model Big Drawings: Let kids see you creating large drawings and enjoying the process. They often imitate what they see.
By implementing these tips, you can encourage children to draw bigger and explore their creativity on a larger scale.
