Kid's Art...Collecting Dust?

As a mother of two young boys, the collection of artwork has become overwhelming. Plastic containers contain the remnants of childhood creativity. Stacked and stored...saved for the day when they themselves move on to a life of their own. Precious memories frozen in time...and collecting dust. 

What do we know about childhood creativity? According to the University of Missouri, there are clear stages of our children's eye for art...


Scribbling stage, approximately 2 to 4 years

• Children are amazed at their ability to make marks. They have just realized that they can interact with and affect their environment.

• Much time is spent practicing motor skills.

• Children draw circles first, then squares and other geometric shapes.

• Children begin trying to recreate their world. They may want to point to and name parts of their drawings.

Pre-schematic stage, late preschool to approximately age 7

• First attempts are made to represent people or objects. Efforts are recognizable to adults.

• Children show a fascination with the wide variety of colors.

• Obvious connections between different pieces of the drawing.

• Signs of approval from teachers and peers are important.

• Easily discouraged and fatigued.

• Active, hands-on, eager to learn, self-centered.

• Highly imaginative yet tend to focus on one idea at a time.

• Search for ways to represent their ideas.

Schematic stage, approximately 7 to 9 years

• Increased use of symbols, such as a cross for a church or dark colors to represent night, both in number and frequency.

• Less self-centered.

• Still do not have a realistic understanding of their environment — for example, the sky may not meet the ground at the horizon.

• Improved eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills.

• Increased attention span.

• Begin to develop a sense of humor.

• Children divide by gender in play.

• Special characteristics are represented for each person or object. (If Mom wears glasses and has curly hair, the child will include these characteristics in the drawing.)

Realistic stage, 9 to 12 years

• Greatly affected by peer influence.

• Increased amount of detail and use of symbols.

• Expanded individual differences.

• Beginning to develop a set of values.

• Want to do things "right."

 Your child's artwork is a reflection of who they are, who they can be, and what they are capable of. Just as we revel in photographs of years gone by, we see their future (through their own eyes) in their artwork. Those are memories worth cherishing...and sharing.

Now, Make-My-Books.com is offering an opportunity to showcase your child's greatest masterpieces! From now until March 25, 2013, we are offering 25% off your Kid's Art Photo Book and an opportunity to win $100...simply by showing off your greatest pride and joy!

Click here to learn more! 

Tell us, what are you doing to preserve your children's artwork from years gone by?