What is important NOT to say to children about their art and other creative activities?

Question

All I can think of is That could be better

The book is not helping

Answer 1

It seems to me the point of the question is trying to get you to think about praise vs. encouragement.

Take a look at this website for more information and apply the ideas on it to your answer:

http://www.noogenesis.com/malama/encoura...

Some of the responders said some things I would also NOT say.  Sorry to respond to them, but feel I should:

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pebble said this:

". If you want to know what to say "try pretty colors,""

I could not disagree more with that statement.  This is an example of what NOT to say.  The child's pictures are an expression of who they are and what they are thinking at the time they are drawing.  Do not try to add an idea that pictures should be changed because you want to see more colors.  

She then said:

" if the picture is a person ask "is this you, me, mommy etc." "

Again, no.  Let the child describe the picture to you.  Whether you realize it or not, this is you often changing the ideas of the child.  RAther than say that, say, "I see you drew a person here."  (Assuming you know for sure that it is a person) If they want to tell you more, great.  If not, that is their choice.

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drop made some great points.  There's one thing she said that I am debating about and I'll just leave my comment with it and let you decide.

""I like that you drew me with a red hat, though I think I might have drawn myself with a headband, they hold my hair better." "

The reason I don't seem to like this is because it guides the child to draw something you want them to draw, rather than their own creation.  Why did the child choose a red hat?  Maybe she really likes red hats and that's why ... because she was putting you with things she likes.

From then on, you may see the child always draw you with a headband simply because it is what you expect.

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The secret to this, as far as my experience, has been to focus on the process and just focus on facts when discussing it.  Some examples:

"I saw that you spent a long time on this picture.  That shows me you can focus on your work very well."

"I see you used a lot of red in this picture."

"Tell me about this picture."

All those responses invite the child to discuss more without any suggestions on how they should feel about it.  On the flip side, the bad responses:

"You spent a lot of time on this, so it is a great picture."  Withold value judgements.  This is a mild one here, but think about what it implies....1)  The work is only good if I spend time on it.

2)  She will only like it if I do a good job.

3)  She will only like my picture if I spend a lot of time on it.

2nd bad response:  "I see you used a lot of red in this picture.  Red is my favorite color."  (What if the child did it because she was having a bad day and red expressed her frustration?)

3rd bad response:  "Is that a lion?"  

If it's not a lion, as another person mentioned, you have an annoyed 4 year old on your hands.  You also have one that will change what he says about the picture.  Many children will say "yes" to these types of questions, so avoid yes/no type questions.

Matt

Answer 2

Nothing......... allow them to do as they like

Answer 3

What's that?

Doesn't look like that

color inside the lines

Do it this way

Answer 4

A lot of times children don't color things the color they're "supposed" to be. But this is Their art, and they should be allowed to express themselves and color things they way they like.

If they color a tree with a blue trunk and bright pink leaves you shouldn't say "That is not the colors tree's are" Instead praise them on their brightly color pictures and maybe have them explain to you why they chose the colors they did, you'll be surprised at what their answers may be!

A colleague of mine once shared this poem with me which illustrates what can happen if you try to make a child conform to your way of thinking art should be. It's called "Flowers Are Red" By Harry Chapin. You can read it at http://www.marilee.us/children.html

Answer 5

I read somewhere that you should never ask a child "What is this" if you are unsure what their drawing or whatever is--that you should instead ask them "tell me about it."

Answer 6

thats the ****!

Answer 7

NOT- "This was a good try, keep trying"  "Are you sure that is...(whatever you are supposed to be making)"   " That is very unique."  "Here, let me help you."

DO- "That is so CREATIVE"   " That so looks better than  (their grade)"   "You just get better and better every time!"

Answer 8

dont be too harsh on the preschool children.. jsut talk to them in a nice way.

Answer 9

dnt say eww oh with a drastic pause wow with a drastic pause gross wtf wtheck wthell try again throw it away and definitely don't laugh at them jus encourage them and congratulate them they're just learning

Answer 10

You don't want to be like: "Oh that is a nice drawing of a cat"

It might not be a cat.. they are in preschool. So never spefically say what you think they are drawing because you will upset them if you are wrong about it. If you are unsure, ask them to tell you about their drawing.

Plus you are right, don't say the drawing is ugly, could be better, etc...

Answer 11

dont say

ewww

good job

nice

great

sweet

cute

or any thing like that, that will just make them think that its just ok you realy dont like it

Answer 12

don't tell a child they need to do better or they can do better

♥Melli_Boo♥

Answer 13

Process over Product.  Compliment their effort and not their finished product.

EX:  Jimmy, you are working so hard creating your art project.  I love how you are using such long strokes across your paper.

That way, they'll feel confident enough in their own work, no matter how it looks.  And when they finish, say "Tell me about it" or some form of open ended question so create a well-thought-out answer from the child.  Then you could document it and attach it to that child's work... to be used for whatever... documentation, in their learning file, or to be sent home.

Answer 14

It's very important to comment on the child's effort, not their ability... even if they are extremely artistic.  The best thing you can do is show interest in what they have created; ask questions, request more art.  And, yes, there are appropriate ways of "guiding" children to draw "better" - try saying something like, "That's you and me at the park?  Am I wearing a dress?"  or "How many legs do spiders have?"  (By the way, art is a great avenue through which to learn about science)  The major thing is to remember is why you are commenting - do you want the art to be more like what you want it to be like?  Because that's the wrong reason.  Art to a child is another form of communication - the best thing you can do is encourage them to share, share, share.  Art can also be an excellent avenue through which to teach that everyone can have their own, respectful opinion: "I like that you drew me with a red hat, though I think I might have drawn myself with a headband, they hold my hair better."  Finally, the biggest no no - never equate what a child has done with who they are - "Good girl" or "good boy" means a child drew something to make them good - if they can't draw it again, what will they be?  Use direct phrases such as "good work" (applicable to more than just art) and again, appreciate that your child has created something

Answer 15

1. What is it?

2. Oh that's wonderful!

3. I told you to do it like this.

Answer 16

Don't say:

Eww! Try again. Nobody would like that.

Try harder, you aren't trying hard enough.

Do what everybody else is doing! I don't like that.

Answer 17

Not sure what you are talking about, what book? Anyway, in response of what not to say, "that could be better" is one of them. If you want to know what to say "try pretty colors," or "look at that *name shape visible through scribbles*", or "wow that is nice, can you tell me a story about what it is," if the picture is a person ask "is this you, me, mommy etc." If you want them to learn to draw better sit with them and do it step-by-step, starting with the simplest shapes. Never over criticize because they will grow to hate art and do worse not better. Children are not supposed to be artists getting critiqued (most artists have troubles with this as well, in fact.)

Answer 18

NEVER say, "Hey everyone, look at Johnny's picture!!" This may discourage others from trying and it encourages unneccesary competition. Also, Johnny may not have wanted this type of attention, and children may treat him differently now (teacher's pet, etc.)

Answer 19

1. Allow children their creativity—leave the “blue grass” and “raggedy edges” alone!

(So don’t say, “Here…let me fix that for you!”)

Do allow the children to learn and grow with their own hands-on experience. When we take over a project or change it, we are telling the child it is not good enough.

2. Don’t do the children’s work! Provide encouragement and support. Help break it into manageable parts and make sure they understand the approach --so next time they'll be able to do it themself.  (So, don’t say, “Here, give it to me, I’ll do it.”)

If they say, I can’t do it…add the words, “Not yet!”

3. If you show an example of the finished project as a visual goal----ALWAYS let the children know that yours is JUST AN IDEA; it is THEIR project and they can make it LOOK ANY WAY THEY CHOOSE.

4. Have reasonable expectations. (Don’t say any version of, “You could have done better!” Or- “Try harder.” Or, "At your age, you should be better!"

5. Give SINCERE praise; recognition. BE SPECIFIC…”Oh, look at the reds and greens!” You don’t need to add anything else to your comment. (Postings here already address that very well)

6. Help children realize how they feel about their accomplishments—NOT how other people feel about them. (So don't say, "I'm so proud of you!" Say, "How's it feel?!"



7. If you’re putting up work—put it all up—whether good or bad.

Also, with young children--try to keep away from coloring pages and dittos of art work. It's frustrating for many children-because they will never be able to be "perfect" like the art work that they are coloring! (If you do use ditto sheets,  don't say, "Stay in the lines!"--or "Now, I want you to draw that same picture.)

For an example of how   "without being aware" we can destroy creativity in a child, read the "The Little Boy" (In the Inspiration tab) a wonderful story/poem!!! A great lesson for us all!

http://www.after-school-care.com/Default...