Children Draw: A Guide to Why, When and How Children Make Art

Description

Without any prompting, children intuitively develop a powerful impulse to draw. Beginning with their first scribbles, drawing is an activity that encompasses children's expanding knowledge, changing perceptions and new experiences about themselves and their environment. It is a visual language that evolves as the child grows, and one in which feelings, ideas and emotions can all appear. As children draw they develop motor skills, a positive sense of identity, and faculties of problem-solving and critical thinking. And their drawings offer parents a window to see how children perceive themselves and the world around them. Children Draw is a concise, richly illustrated book, aimed at parents and carers, that explores why children draw and the meaning and value of drawing for youngsters - from toddlers aged two to pre-adolescents aged twelve. Informed by psychology and practical teaching with children, it guides readers through the progressive stages and characteristics of drawing development as children grow and change mentally, physically, socially, emotionally and creatively. It offers parents tips about encouraging children to express their ideas visually, age-appropriate art materials, workspaces, and different media as well as suggestions for making an art museum visit more meaningful - not to mention more fun - for both parents and kids. Packed with many delightful examples of children's art, Children Draw is an essential book for parents interested in their child's art activities.

Marilyn JS Goodman is an art and museum education specialist who served as the first Director of Education for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the first Director of the Children's Museum of Cincinnati, and Director of K-12 Art for the Worcester Public Schools. She has co-authored two books for children including Learning Through Art (1999) and Arteducarte: arte ecuatoriano para ninos (2006).

"Goodman's love and respect for children is evident throughout this brilliant investigation of how and why children draw. As a working artist, an uncle, and a grown-up version of a boy who loved to make pictures, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any adult with a child in their life as well as anyone interested in drawing and the many ways it functions for children during the various stages of their development."--Alexander Stadler, author and illustrator of the Beverly Billingsly series, the Julian Rodriguez books, and several other books for children "Goodman's delightfully illustrated and highly accessible text celebrates our imagination. In sharing her valuable insights, she reminds us that taking pencil to paper remains an essential human action. This book will help adults nurture a child's personal development and expressive skills that will last their lifetime."--Erika Sanger, Executive Director, Museum Association of New York "With a passion for the magic and importance of early childhood drawing and painting, Goodman successfully demystifies this complex activity, essential to children's development. Goodman's wisdom and knowledge offers a concise and refreshing look into the history and meaning of children's art making, tracking important age-appropriate developments through abundant illustrations and insightful observations. Children Draw is an essential guide for parents and caregivers seeking to support this vital component in their child's creative learning."--Philip Matsikas, fine arts teacher, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools