Talking to your little artist: 5 things to say about your child's art work instead of "What is it?".
We've all been there. School holidays start and the seemingly endless piles of artwork from the "treasure box" comes home. It's hard not to look at most of the work and wonder what on earth they've drawn! But having a few phrases up your sleeve can help to keep your child's self confidence in tact and might just spur them on to get creative there and then, which will give you at least 5 minutes peace!
So, my top 5 things to say instead of say "What is it?"
1. Let them tell you what it is: "I love it. Can you tell me about it?" This is a great leading question that can act as a spring board for more conversation. Let them explain it themselves, it's good for them to talk and feel listened to.
2. Notice a detail: "I love how you've used circles & drawn them so carefully. I wonder what other shapes you could use?" This might extend the time spent on the artwork & also shows them you notice the details they put in.
3. Notice that they have tried to take care with it: "Wow look at those colours. It looks like you took such care colouring with those. How did you decide on them?"
4 - Show them that art can be connected to emotion: "This picture makes me feel so much joy. How does it make you feel?"
5 - Encourage them to finish their work: "I can tell that you have tried so hard to finish that. Would you like to keep going with it & I can help you?" Then go back to number 1...
Whatever you do, be open to their answers & let them speak until they are finished. This can often take time for them to explain fully what they have created but the act of explaining is so good for their brains & development. It is a way for them to practise expressing themselves & describing things in detail which are really useful for story telling & story writing. Also, It's really rewarding for their voices to be heard.
Let me know if these work for you!
Happy days!
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