For most children drawing is a part of daily life. They draw airplanes flying to far off lands, flowers blooming on mountain tops, aliens exploring space... whatever comes to their mind. It is exciting to see their thoughts play out on paper. This type of free drawing brings their imagination to life and lets them explore worlds that are not always right before their eyes.
Another type of drawing, observational drawing, requires all the same drawing skills they use for free drawing but applies those skills to real world observations. Kids must use their ability to observe what is in front of them, making note of the details that make up the object, to draw what they see. This type of drawing is used to record nature in Nature Journals. Lori over at Camp Creek has a great post about observational drawing if you would like to learn more.
We have many opportunities to draw out in nature and the kids like to find a comfy spot to make some observations and draw what they see... moss does make a cozy drawing mat.
But there are other times when we bring nature inside to observe and draw.
There are many reasons why nature ends up within our walls, it may be too cold to draw outside, or too hot, or just that we have already spent a long time outside and need to come in for a drink, a snack and some quiet drawing time.
Whether we are inside or out these sessions can be short or long. They can involve lots of detail or just a few bits that catch their eye. I see it as my job to help them focus on the details, looking at shapes and texture, to help them get through frustrating moments (I have a little perfectionist), and to model. I do my best to draw right along side them (the best I can) and to emphasize that we are all looking at the object from our own point-of-view, so our drawings are going to look different.
Lori has some great recommendations for using large paper (at least letter size), regular pencils (we have just moved away from pens to colored pencils) and encouraging kids to draw big, so they can draw with greater detail. We are working on those things. While my daughter likes to draw big, my little man currently loves all things small. Just as with anything... it is a process.
As Lucia pointed out in her wonderful post about nature journals journals come in all shapes and sizes. The most important part is to get them recording their observations. If they choose the method and the means they are more likely to stick with it.
A few things to remember:
- Provide lots of opportunity for them to draw nature. The more they do it the better they will get.
- Pack their journals, pencils, and sharpener for your walks. Sometimes my kids see something they just have to draw at that moment, other times we take a few minutes after a short snack to draw. As time goes by you will find what works best for your little ones.
- Be flexible. It can be a bit of a juggle with two or more kids who draw at different speeds and with greater or lesser detail. You might have to play some games or make new observations close by with those who are waiting for siblings or friends to finish drawing.
- Pack your own journal and supplies. Remember to model. I have to remind myself to put my camera down and draw along with them. Don't be frustrated if you don't get to finish your drawing. You won't most of the time. You might want to think about keeping a journal to work with while you are with the kids and another one you can put more details in when you have more time on your own. I have also finished drawings later based on pictures I have taken when I don't have time to finish. Do what works best for you.
- When they show you their drawing point out some details that you like. Try to avoid blanket statements like "great drawing." Pointing out details will encourage them to add more details in the future.
- Have fun. They will look forward to nature drawing if it is fun. Try to find some time early on in a hike or walk before they get tired. Or just set aside some time in the backyard to make observations in a place they know well.
As with Lucia we are trying hard to make nature journals more a part of our routine. We do tend to do more nature drawing in the spring, summer and fall so we are looking forward to the new life of springtime.
Do your little ones like to draw nature?
Do you have a favorite nature drawing moment?
We would love to hear your story and see some photos of your little naturalist's work added to the TMG Flickr pool!
~ Dawn
