Yew Chung International School of Beijing - Artistic Development in Children

Artistic Development in Children

Yew Chung International School of Beijing

Stage 1: The Scribbling Stage (15 months to 2 years)

• Marks on paper for pure enjoyment• May not contain any recognisable form• Appear on any available surface• Begin to take on definite shape• Scribbling movement is a circular one• Lines combine with shape• Scribbles have meanings

Stage 2: Pre-Symbolism: The Figure Emerges (3 to 5)

• Combine circle, line to represent a human figure• Tadpoles or Head-Feet symbols• Figures are sometimes highly unrealistic• No visible distinctions

Stage 3: The Age of Symbolism (6 to 8)

• Develop a repertoire of symbols• Definite symbol or schema• Baseline• Multiple baselines• Space-and-time representations• X-ray drawings• Cultural Images

Stage 4: The Crisis of Realism (8 to 10)

• “Break” or “Make”• Exhibit greater visual awareness• Conscious of details• Detail and proportion can often lead to a crisis• Adult-like skills• Art instruction of utmost importance!• Representation of three-dimensional space• Using visual metaphor and expressive imagery

What can parents learn?

• The Scribbling Stage – The child is expressing joy at creation and the flow of colours

• Pre-Symbolism – The child now develops shapes and objects, perhaps even naming the drawings. These drawings can reflect a child’s feelings and thoughts and their portraits may reflect their self-image. Family portraits can reflects how they see their parents and the feeling of their place in the family.

• The Age of Symbolism – This stage often reflects a child’s wish to tell stories with drawings and can include characters they admire.

• The Crisis of Realism – Children might reach a peak at this stage if not properly instructed regarding how to further develop their artistic skills. They may lose interest in art or continue to thrive.

Why is Art Important?

• Art is cross cultural and breaks down social, religious and racial barriers

• Art is a vital form of expression, especially for children who arguably need this outlet even more than adults

• Art develops independence• Art enhances creative and critical thinking• Arts develops higher order thinking skills such as analysis,

synthesis and evaluation• Art is for everyone and skills can be learnt at one’s own speed• Art can express deeper feelings and emotions that can alert one to

the artists thoughts, outlook, concerns and ambitions

Advice for Parents

• Always encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings through an artistic outlet

• Focus on traditional forms of art at a young age instead on using technology

• Ask engaging questions about their art to learn more about their emotions

• Do not judge, criticize or grade your children’s work as this will discourage them

• Express happiness when your child draws for you and how their art makes you feel positive

• Encourage your child to continue creating art and focus more on the expression rather than ‘getting better’

Thank You!

• To find out more about the Art Programme at YCIS Beijing, please contact:

• (+86 10) 8585 3731

• [email protected]

• www.ycis-bj.com

Thank You!

• To find out more about the Art Programme at YCIS Beijing, please contact:

• (+86 10) 8585 3731

• [email protected]

• www.ycis-bj.com