We have been building on our drawing work over the course of the past few weeks. When we returned from our break, we began with the task of practicing drawing squares, a very important skill for children to develop.
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| Looking at large chalk squares. |
First, children drew large squares on a vertical surface, which helps to develop strong arm and hand muscles as they must move against the pull of gravity as they work. It also places the child’s hand in the best position for using wrist strength and stability. In this position children are able to maintain an upright position and encourages head control, as well as hand eye control so children can more easily see their hands at work at eye level.
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| Using squares to make a house. |
Children have been drawing these chalk squares on somewhat rough paper. Both the paper and the chalk create some friction, requiring the children to press hard, use a strong grip, and steady their hands as they work. Chalk provides more feedback than writing with markers or crayons. Then, children used a small wet sponge to “erase” their chalk squares on the large paper. This process replicates the motions that they used to draw the squares. When children practice large motor movements, not only does it help to develop strong shoulder, arm, and hand muscles that will in turn help to develop fine motor strength and control, but it helps the brain to develop muscle memory about how to make the shape so that it can be replicated at other times. Children have also been drawing squares with chalk on a horizontal surface on small pieces of paper. They have turned these squares into a variety of objects: we have seen a bunny, cars, houses, an accordion, a fire hydrant, a dragon, a cow and more! We hope you will take a look at these drawings in our classrooms.
When it was Tia’s time to turn her her small square into something, she decided to create a person. We have noticed that sometimes children draw stick figures, which is a quick and simple way to draw a person, but not necessarily accurate. We have talked about how human bodies are not just sticks and straight lines! Tia’s drawing was brought to the whole group to show how to improve our drawings of human figures. Children could see how they can use shapes--not just one line--to make different body parts. They are connecting and applying what they are learning in new situations. We are working on drawing slowly and carefully, often making more than one draft, and reflecting on our work. In the process of drawing bodies, the children are also continuing to work on fine motor skills as well as artistic skills. 
All of these activities contribute to fundamentals that will be built upon in the future as children write and draw. It is exciting work!
- Parent Gatherings to make note of:
- January 29, 7 PM Together for Tomorrow launch party
