Spring Study
Spring is in a state of arrival in the Northeast. In just a few days, we’ve seen that much can change in the world around you at this time of year.
Chartreuse buds on tree branches, bright yellow daffodils popping up, purple crocuses with their saffron centers, mauve and pink magnolias. And many blossoming branches and bulbs yet to come, too.
A simple yet developmentally thoughtful way to spend some time is by finding a place to sit down with your child and study something - like a blossoming tree, or a budding plant.
You will observe your subject, talk about what you see, and, if you like, create a drawing as a form of expression.
You can even do this indoors, with a potted plant or looking through the window.
If you can, get outside.
Here is the process:
Bring a pad of drawing paper and some crayons or colored pencils, depending on your child’s age and motor skills. Bring a blanket to sit on, if you like.
Choose something to study with your child. Take time making your choice together, noticing your surroundings.
Sit down, if you can, and take some time to look and study your focus. Let’s say you choose a budding magnolia tree.
Notice the trunk of the tree, its colors and size, feel its texture and temperature if you can.
Notice its branches, their forms, their dimensions of thickness and thinness, their colors.
Notice buds and blooms in various stages, their color gradations and sizes, their orientation towards the sun.
Narrate what you notice. Talk about what you see together. You as an adult will need to lead and scaffold this, but make welcoming space for your child to contribute often.
If you choose, take some time to draw. You can narrate as you go. Describe your process - with simple language. Take care not to talk while your hands are actually moving - these two sources of input, applied at the same time, are not helpful for the young child. “I think I’ll start with the trunk.” “I’m going to draw this thin, curving branch now.” “I will start with the buds on the top of the branch.”
A few notes:
Be deliberate. Choose with care. Take your time.
If you want your child to approach activities in this way, it starts with you.
When your child draws, they may imitate some of your approach. But they also may not. Allow them to self-express.
Do not correct your child.
Do offer some gentle scaffolding and guidance.
Emphasize care and consideration of the art materials.
Make note that this art experience is a study of a particular focus - not a time to draw just anything, though they can certainly do that later.
Invite your child to add details. “Did you draw the bottom branches yet? Which would you like to add first?”
I suggest you do one to a few studies, no more. We don’t want to encourage a production mindset with art, or send the message that we don’t value resources.
When you go home…
Have continued conversation together about what you studied and what you created.
Ask questions: “remember when we studied the magnolia tree together this morning? What colors did we see in the blossoms?” or “we studied daffodils yesterday. Do you remember where we sat to study the daffodils?”
This helps your child construct the capacity to retain and recall information.
Share with family members - with an emphasis on describing and talking about the experience itself, not overvaluing the product itself. The product is one small part of this experience.