Kids Art - Drawing Developmental Stages in Children
Children go through similar stages in their drawing development. The length of each stage, however, may vary from child to child. There is always a progressive increase in the complexity of the drawings as the child ages. From meaningless scribbles to mature realism, children learn to interpret their world and to create worlds of their own.
Drawing - The Scribbling Stage
This stage of development is usually between the ages of 18 months to three years old. At the beginning, children are making uncontrolled scribbling marks. With time and increased motor ability and coordination, the child learns to not only hold the pencil, but make controlled scribbles. Soon, these more orderly, controlled scribbles begin to be named by the child. The circle is the first shape to emerge.
Drawing - The Pre-Schematic Stage
Typically occurring between the ages of 2 and 4, this stage demonstrates the child's new knowledge of the world of art - something can be drawn on paper that stands for something out in the real world. This conscious creation is simple at first. A person is represented by a circle for the head and two lines that stand for the legs for instance. With practise and maturity the child begins to work out more complex scenarios. Symbols are continually changing, and the child begins to tell stories about their art work. At this stage, the objects drawn are not anchored, but floating in space and any use of colour is not meant to be realistic representation.
Drawing - The Schematic Stage
Between the ages of 5 to 8, children have a definite approach to their work, drawing an object in a particular fashion. This set "schema" that they have acquired is only changed when something particularly important needs emphasizing. At this point, order is maintained in space relationships. A blue line, at the top of the page, represents the sky, while the green line drawn at the base of the page represents the grass. Colour is more realistic. More detail in the art work is evident, showing the increased depth of the child's knowledge on a particular subject matter.
Drawing - The Preteen Stage
Between the ages of 9 and 11, children strive to achieve realism. No longer are schematic representations sufficient. While previously concerning themselves with where certain objects should be placed in their drawings, the emphasis is now on the detailing of the images being created. Perspective is being explored with the overlapping of objects. It is very common for comparisons to be made at this time. Preteens can be frustrated if the goal of realism is not achieved, and frequently "I can not draw" statements are expressed at this time.
Drawing - The Teen Years
From about 12 years old to 14 years old, teens become increasingly more critical and unsure of their abilities. Now emphasis is placed on the final outcome of the images. Critical views of one's art are common as the teens try to achieve "adult-like" realism. By the time the age of 16 years old is reached, many give up, discouraged, and those who do persist learn that drawing is a skill that requires practise.
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