Ask Octavia and Vicky: Babies and Drawing
August 27, 2012 by Kylie Gardner | 14 Comments
Here’s a question asked by a friend of mine over the weekend, and I thought to myself, I bet there are others out there that would like to know the answer. Allow me to introduce the very first Ask Octavia and Vicky post!
The answers to two questions will help you know if your baby or toddler is ready for drawing using drawing tools:
– can they grasp a crayon?
– have they stopped putting anything and everything in their mouths?
Ideally you can answer ‘yes’ to both questions before starting drawing with your baby. Many children can grasp a crayon at around 11 – 13 months. Children with older brothers and sisters are more likely to have a crack at using crayons earlier, just because they’re more likely to have access to them! If your child hasn’t started scribbling by around 16 months, it may be worth mentioning next time you check in with your child and youth health nurse.
Pebble, drawing with crayons, 14 months
Some good tools to start with are good quality, thick, non-toxic crayons, markers and chalk. We have tried and tested the Micador Early Start range (nope, they didn’t ask me to write this – I just love them!). The colours are bright, they are easy to use, they wash off easily and they have lasted the test of time. Check out the Chunky Markers, Chunky Stampers, Crayon Kids, Egg Chalk, and Jumbo Chalk. Crayola also makes Bath Tub Crayons and Bath Tub Markers, to really help contain the mess.
Micador Early stART Egg Chalk
If your little is not yet able to grasp a crayon, or still enjoys putting everything in their mouth, a great pre-drawing activity is finger painting. Try making these homemade edible finger paints from The Imagination Tree.
When did your child start to enjoy drawing?
14 Comments
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August 28, 2012 at 11:44 am
Both of my girls started scribbling when they were 2, but didn’t really start to like it until 3. They all love finger painting! Stopping by from Tuesday Tots, Hope to see you at True Aim!
Tulip recently posted..The Reading Road
August 28, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Love those egg chalks – look great for little hands. My daughter (14 months) loves drawing with crayons, chalk and pencils already – I think because she sees her older brother drawing and want to join in. I love seeing their little pictures (although preferably not on the walls!)
Kelly recently posted..Sink or swim
August 28, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Popette (3.5) loves to draw, I think she was around 13 months old when I bought her first set of crayons (seems so long ago), they were the chubby crayons sold at ELC shops. I love the Early Start range too!
In the last 3-4 months she has gotten better at drawing people (faces, eyes, hair, etc), she also loves painting, colouring-in and craft. We have just done some painting together today :)
JulieM recently posted..Week 34: Grateful for this day
August 28, 2012 at 10:14 pm
What a gorgeous photo of Pebble drawing? Great post Kylie and I think many people will find this very useful! I love those egg chalks!
Janice@ learning4kids recently posted..Textured Painting with Nature’s Paint Brushes
August 29, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Looks like someone is having fun!
stephanie recently posted..Teacher Mama: Sight Word Practice Box
August 29, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Great tips. My daughter was right around a year old when she suddenly fell in love with drawing. The picture of your baby drawing is so cute! I am coming from the Tuesday Tots link party.
Michelle recently posted..Fabric Covered Bulletin Board
August 29, 2012 at 2:07 pm
A great guide.
I agree, the Micador Early Start range is wonderful.
Jackie recently posted..Our Family Hour: food, books, games and Australian animals
August 29, 2012 at 6:11 pm
A great post…really good advice there! I often got told by friends that i was ‘game’ to be letting the twins draw when they were just over a year! Just a matter of choosing your producs wisely i think (i love that micador range too…the oil pastels for kids are fab colours)I also like to tape the paper to the table when they are younger so they can really get a good scribble going!
How cute is that pic? I had already pinned this just for the pic alone hehe…off to pin to co-op board now…thanks for linking up!
Jode@mummymusingsandmayhem recently posted..The Week that Was…..Warmer Days!
August 29, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Miss Possum was and is an amazing drawer. No kidding, she drew a spider at 2! I was so proud. The Twins aren’t as into it as she was at her age. I try but they’re just not as keen. I’ve never seen the egg chalk range. I’m going to have to give them a go. Or, let the girls give them a go. :p
Penny recently posted..8 Activities for Save the Koala Month
November 26, 2012 at 7:19 am
Keeping an eye out for the Micador Eggs! They’re great! Thanks for the tips.
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Sunday Sweeties Recipe Linky – #25 – Chicken San Choy Bau
January 29, 2013 at 6:09 pm
My baby, 15 months old, can hold crayons and scribble, especially when she imitates older kids, however I’ve noticed it’s not something she really likes doing. She only does it if someone asks her to do so, it doesn’t come from her, so I prefer to wait until she’s really ready for it and asks for it.
February 5, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Any occupational therapist will tell you that chunky anything for toddlers is a money scam, and hindering your child’s grasp. Their hands are tiny, and do bettere with smaller objects, like regular crayons and thinner paint brushes. Children given smaller tools achieve a mature grasp earlier than those supplied with “chunky” tools.
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