Free Drawing Time
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Description
Set out paper and drawing tools, step back, and let your child draw whatever comes to mind. No topic, no model to copy - just open time to make marks and see what appears.
What to prep
- paper
- crayons
Play guide
- 1Put a stack of paper on the table with crayons or markers. More paper than you think they'll need - running out breaks the flow.
- 2Sit nearby or within sight but don't hover. Resist asking "what are you drawing?" until they show you voluntarily.
- 3If your child looks uncertain, you can say "draw whatever you want" or start drawing your own thing on a separate sheet. Your drawing often prompts them without directing.
- 4Let the session end when your child decides - don't cap it unless you need to.
Success signals
Your child picks up a crayon and starts making marks within a minute or two of sitting down. They work for at least 5 consecutive minutes without asking what to draw. They name or describe what they've drawn when they show you
If it's tricky
Your child stares at the blank paper and freezes: Start drawing on your own sheet without comment - seeing you draw usually breaks the block. They only want to draw one thing repeatedly (the same car, the same face): That's completely normal and not something to redirect. Markers end up on the table rather than the paper: Switch to crayons or put down a placemat. They want you to draw for them: Draw alongside them on your own sheet instead of on theirs