Kids love to create images they resonate with. Helping them see it on paper gives them a deep sense of joy. For they are able to share something which was only in their mind with others. They are able to communicate. And the feeling that others understand me is unexplainable ?
When kids start understanding the world around them, do they see the words ‘Building, ‘plant’, ‘Trees’, ‘Cat’, ‘Dog’ written in air around them or do they actually see the real things in their original form, shape, colours, size? We see world the way it is and not via any verbal or written language. Hence when the child starts gaining understanding of it via observation, he/she starts seeing lines, forms,shapes and colours of things around and wants to express via scribbling them.

Hence, ‘Art’ is the first language of communication. The first method of expression. When cave men would observe the animals running, they started drawing many legs. The reason being persistence of vision made them see many legs as the animals would run fast. Even though they did not know the word ‘Animation’ they had already started drawing evidences on the cave walls.

If we had not discovered symbols in form of numbers and alphabets we would still use drawings/paintings as our way of communication and expression.

Children start expressing via scribbling. Allow them to do that. Speak to them while they draw. They will let you into their world of imagination. They will tell you all that they feel. You will learn more about your child through their drawings. The colours they choose.

Scribble along with them on sand, draw Rangolis togther, use different objects around the house to create stories. Make art part of your day to day life. You will see the bond between you and your child grow stronger ?

-Bhakti

The author is the founder of AasmaFilms – Academy of Arts and Stop Motion Animation Films in Baner, Pune. She is an Artist who loves painting in watercolour and acrylics. She has had 2 Solo Exhibitions and runs regular classes both online and offline to spread her love for art among kids and adults.

You can reach out to her via email aasmafilms@gmail.com or her Instragram/Facebook page @aasmafilms.