The Benefits of Step-by-Step Drawing for Kids
Step-by-step drawing breaks pictures into small steps kids can follow. Learn the benefits: confidence, focus, following directions and real skills.
Step-by-step drawing breaks a picture into small, easy steps that kids follow one at a time. It builds confidence (every child finishes a drawing), focus, the ability to follow directions, fine motor control and an understanding that complex things are made from simple shapes.
Step-by-step drawing is one of the most popular ways to teach kids to draw, and for good reason.
How it works
Each lesson shows a drawing in stages. In Kevin Coulston's How to Draw books, a character is built in six steps. A light gray outline of the finished drawing appears on every step so kids can plan the size and see the goal, and each step adds a few new black lines. After the steps, there is space to practise.
Benefits
- Confidence. Kids finish with a drawing they are proud of.
- Following directions. One step at a time.
- Sequencing. Understanding order.
- Fine motor skills. Lines, curves and shapes.
- Seeing shapes. Realizing everything is made from simple parts.
- Focus. Short, achievable tasks.
A great first book
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals is a very first drawing book: round, friendly animals that look right even when the lines wobble.
Making it creative
After learning a drawing, encourage kids to change it: new expressions, outfits, settings. See does step-by-step drawing kill creativity?.
Who it is for
Step-by-step drawing works well from about age 5. Younger kids can start with tracing. Older kids can try grid drawing. See the grid drawing method.
Questions parents ask
What are the benefits of step-by-step drawing?
It builds confidence, following directions, sequencing, fine motor skills, focus and an understanding of how shapes build pictures.
What age is step-by-step drawing for?
Most children enjoy step-by-step drawing from about age 5.
How do How to Draw books work?
Each character is built in six steps, with a light gray outline of the finished drawing on every step and new lines added in black.
More in ways to learn to draw, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- The Grid Drawing Method: Why It Works for KidsThe grid method helps kids draw accurately by copying one square at a time. Learn how grid drawing works, its benefits and how to get started.
- Is Tracing Good for Kids? Yes, and Here's WhyIs tracing good for kids? Yes. Tracing builds pencil control, confidence and pre-writing skills, and it's a natural first step toward drawing.
- Is It OK for Kids to Copy Drawings?Is it OK for kids to copy drawings? Yes, copying is how most artists learn. Here's why it helps, and how to move from copying to creating.
- Does Drawing Help Kids Remember What They Learn?Drawing something helps kids remember it better than writing it down. Here's why the drawing effect works and how to use it for homework and play.
