From around eighteen months, some earlier, some later, children begin to make their first marks. This is their first graphic expression, a way of expressing their artistic abilities that takes the form of scribbles, a fundamental stage in the development of children’s drawing.
Although they may seem like simple ‘scribbles’ to us adults, to children they are great works of art. At first, these marks are uncontrolled, impulsive, and unconnected strokes, made through broad arm movements. They represent the first stage in the artistic and creative development of young children.
The early stages of drawing are generally divided into three phases: uncontrolled scribbles, controlled scribbles, and named scribbles.
The first phase is that of uncontrolled scribbles. The child may hold the pencil in various ways, grasping it with their whole hand, holding it near the tip, using two fingers, or even upside down. This phase is closely linked to their physical and psychological development. They draw simply for the pleasure it brings. Scribbling is enjoyable for them, they love the movement involved.
At our school, we provide a variety of art materials and creative activities to support and encourage this initial stage of expression.
Scribbles are the first form of graphic expression in human beings. We should nurture this stage, encourage our children, and provide them with the freedom and tools to express themselves without limits.
