The Best Approach for Kids to Learn Drawing Faces

As a Google SEO specialist, it's crucial to provide content that not only fits Google's standards but also engages and educates readers effectively. When it comes to teaching younger children how to draw faces, the approach needs to be a balanced blend of structure and flexibility. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the best strategies to help your kids (or your young students) learn this complex yet rewarding skill.

Learning at Their Own Pace

One of the key principles in teaching children to draw, especially complex subjects like faces, is to allow them to learn at their own pace. Faces and figures are among the two most challenging subjects to draw, involving a combination of tonal values, perspective, and expression. It's important not to rush the process and to break it down into manageable steps that gradually build their skills.

Starting with Simple 3D Geometric Shapes

A great starting point is to use simple 3D geometric shapes. Consider drawing a white cube on a white sheet of paper with a white background. This focuses the child's attention on the tones of light and dark, as well as estimating relative sizes, which is crucial for developing a foundational understanding of perspective.

When introducing such techniques, take each aspect of art slowly and define what it means before having the child attempt it. For example, with the white cube, explain that the equal sides become larger or smaller in relation to the rest but remain the same size. The concept of perspective can be quite abstract, so it's essential to make it clear and tangible.

Gradually Introducing More Complex Subjects

Once the child is comfortable with basic shapes, gradually introduce more complex subjects. Start with still life objects, then move to the corners of the room, and eventually to outside scenes. Finally, have the child draw a posing model, which will naturally lead to drawing faces. It's important to avoid falling into the trap of using pre-set systems, such as those seen on YouTube tutorials, which often involve breaking the face down into predefined shapes. Such approaches can stifle creativity and the ability to recognize and capture unique features.

Leveraging Comparative Measuring Techniques

The best technique for teaching children to draw faces is through comparative measuring. This involves constantly asking questions like, 'Is this as big as that? And is that as big as two of these?' By doing this, the child's mind is trained to accurately notice and appreciate the differences in size, shape, and tone. For instance, a child can use their pencil as a measuring tool by holding it and using their thumb to move it to different lines, comparing the proportions visually.

There are various YouTube videos that demonstrate this technique, often referred to as the 'pencil in a fist' technique. This method helps children understand how to capture the nuances in a face, making their drawings more realistic and true to life.

Encouraging Fun and Personal Growth

For children below the age of about 5th grade (typically kindergarten and early elementary), it's crucial not to grade their work. Instead, focus on their personal improvement. If they are getting better at drawing, that's all you need to be happy about.

For older children, usually teens, around 13 to 15 years old, they have likely developed the cognitive capacity to handle more complex visual art. It's important to maintain a balance between challenging them and ensuring they continue to enjoy the process, as this is not just about achieving perfection, but also about fostering a lifelong appreciation for art.

Teaching children to draw can be challenging, but with patience, careful guidance, and a focus on fun and improvement, you can help them develop their skills. I hope these tips will be of use to you, and if you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.