Early Atlas

Draw Your Family

Children draw the people they love, then share the story of who is in the picture.

Ages 36–66 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Play-based learning visual-art drawing family representation self-expression

Materials

  • Paper
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
  • Optional small mirror for drawing faces

Steps

  • Invite each child to draw the people in their family, in any way they choose.
  • Resist correcting or directing; let each child decide who and what to include.
  • Move around and ask open questions, such as "can you tell me about your picture?"
  • Write down the child's own words about the drawing if they wish.
  • Invite children who want to share their picture and story with the group.

Variations

  • Draw a self-portrait using a small mirror to notice details.
  • Draw pets, friends, or a favorite place instead of family.

Differentiation

  • For children newer to representation, focus on naming what they drew; for others, encourage details and a story.

Accessibility

  • Offer chunky grips, adaptive tools, or three-dimensional materials so each child can represent their family their way.

Safety

  • Supervise use of sharpened pencils and keep small caps away from children who still mouth objects.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas