How to Talk to Kids about Their Artwork
I'm sure you've had this happen: your child, runs up to you with an expectant look on their face, artwork in hand, and your adult mind is struggling to make sense of the squiggly lines and distorted animals and human figures.
You're not sure what to say, so you say, "Great job!" or "I love it!" . Now there's nothing wrong with that but it's possible to encourage children on a deeper level if you engage with them and their artwork differently.
When you are specific with your praise it shows children that we are really looking at their work. Before you say anything, look with care at their artwork and see if there's an area that stands out to you. Then, start with a question.
Start with open ended questions
Open ended questions allow children to tell you more about what they made. Instead of saying, "What is it?" say, "Tell me about what you made." Let the conversation unfold based on what they tell you.
Focus on the process not the product
Ask them how they made it, or ask them what materials they used and why they chose them.
Be specific
"Wow, good job!" is general. Instead tell them why you think it's a good job or how they did a good job.
Focus on the effort
"Look at how much detail you put into drawing the hand of the person!"
"I can tell you worked hard and paid attention to the details."
“Look at the expression on this person’s face. The way you drew the eyebrows shows how surprised they are. ”
Display the art that shows effort and perseverance
Instead of hanging artwork that is "good", consider hanging a piece of art in which your child struggled, but persevered. Show them that their effort is worthy of display.
By praising children using these tips you are honoring the process over the product. When children internalize that perseverance and problem-solving are necessary it will help them when making art, and in other aspects of their lives. After all, in order to fly one has to risk stumbling. The art is in learning how to pick yourself up to try-try again.
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