How children's drawing changes as they grow (and the best materials for every stage)
One of the questions we're often asked is:
"What should my child be drawing with?"
The answer isn't simply crayons for toddlers and pencils for older children.
As children grow, the way they hold a drawing tool changes.
The marks they make change.
Even why they draw changes.
When we understand these stages, choosing art materials becomes much easier.
Rather than expecting children to create a certain kind of picture, we can support what their hands, minds and imaginations are ready for.
0–3 years
Discovering movement
At this age, children aren't trying to draw a picture.
They're discovering:
- What happens when I move my arm?
- What happens if I press harder?
- Can I make big circles?
- Can I fill a page?
The drawing itself isn't the goal.
The movement is.
You'll often see:
- random scribbles
- sweeping arm movements
- repeated circles
- dots
- back-and-forth lines
These marks may look random to us, but they're laying foundations for later writing and drawing.
Grip
Toddlers usually use a whole-hand (palmar) grasp.
They need large movements rather than tiny finger control.
Best materials
I'd recommend:
Block crayons are wonderful because children can use the wide side, narrow side or corner without worrying about "holding it correctly." They naturally encourage movement from the shoulder and arm before fine finger movements develop.
Waldorf approach
Steiner kindergartens traditionally avoid colouring books or copying pictures.
Instead, children are simply given beautiful materials and the freedom to explore.
Many settings begin with a limited, harmonious palette rather than dozens of colours. The focus is on experiencing colour and movement rather than producing a finished picture. Exactly which colours are offered varies between schools.
3–6 years
Drawing becomes storytelling
Something lovely happens.
Children begin drawing what they know rather than what they see.
A person might have enormous hands.
A house may float.
The sun may have a smiling face.
It's how children organise their understanding of the world.
You'll often notice:
- people with large heads
- circles becoming faces
- early houses
- animals
- lots of repetition
Drawing becomes another language.
They're telling stories.
Grip
Fine motor control is improving but still developing.
Many children continue to enjoy block crayons while gradually introducing thicker coloured pencils or triangular pencils.
I'd avoid pushing fine graphite pencils too early.
Large colourful tools still encourage relaxed hand movement.
Encourage by...
Instead of asking:
"What is it?"
Try saying:
"I can see you've used lots of blue."
"Tell me about your picture."
This keeps the focus on expression rather than judgement.
6–8 years
Looking more closely
Children now begin noticing details.
Their drawings often include:
- clothing
- backgrounds
- movement
- perspective attempts
- patterns
- facial expressions
They often become fascinated with learning how to draw.
This is where confidence can either grow or disappear.
Many children begin comparing themselves with others.
Best materials
Now is a wonderful time to introduce:
- quality coloured pencils
- graphite pencils
- sketchbooks
- fine liners
- felt tips for detail
Block crayons still have a place, but children often enjoy having tools that allow greater precision.
9+
Finding their own style
Older children become much more self-aware.
Many stop drawing altogether because they think they "aren't good."
Usually this isn't because they don't enjoy drawing.
It's because they begin comparing themselves.
This is exactly when encouragement matters most.
Rather than asking for perfect pictures, invite them to:
- keep a sketchbook
- doodle while listening to music
- draw from nature
- experiment with watercolour
- try comics or manga
- combine drawing with journalling
The goal shifts from developing hand control to developing confidence.
Materials
Older children usually enjoy
- artist quality coloured pencils
- watercolour pencils
- brush pens
- graphite sets
- fine liners
- alcohol markers (for those interested)
Why drawing matters
Drawing isn't simply about creating pictures.
Each time children draw they're developing:
- hand strength
- fine motor control
- visual observation
- creativity
- concentration
- planning
- confidence
Long before children write stories...
they draw them.
Long before they explain complicated ideas...
they often sketch them.
Sometimes the simplest mark on a page is doing far more learning than we realise.
