Children's Drawing - Inspiring Representational Drawing

Drawing is an outlet for communication and can be an effective way to discover what children think. 
Many older children stop drawing for different reasons: schools sometimes do not value creativity in this way, children want things to look perfect and realistic and can then lack motivation to continue. 
We know how important therefore it is to instil a joy in drawing and value children's representational marks at a young age when they naturally are less self conscious. 
Children have been supported to draw self portraits: we provided the children with mirrors and encouraged them to study their faces - they were encouraged to notice their features - eye colour, shape, details such as eye lashes, eye brows, texture of hair, shade of skin. Some children shared lots of talk and encouraged their friends to join in. 
We provided children with simple resources: cartridge paper, black felt tips and a variety of shades in pencil. Children worked on their own piece, alongside others in a small group. Children selected which medium they preferred to draw with and made their marks. 
Children shared talk as they drew and were encouraged to look back at their reflections in the mirror to compare. Some children added eyelashes and details such as pupils. A small group made the choice to come back repeatedly and began to include other people in their portraits. There was a very large scale one completed too!
They were immediately displayed in frames in Sunflower class, as directed by the curators (the artists themselves). This shows children we value their marks and contributions. One child proudly showed their parent at pick up time. 

There are real benefits to our physical and mental health to creativity. When did you last pick up a pencil, pen or paint brush for fun?
Come into Sunflower class to see the artworks as more will be added. Also have a look at the materials we use with children to inspire at home.