Lesson 12 : Developmental Levels in Art in Children
The Basic Forms Stage
Basic forms like rectangle, squares and circles develop from scribbles as the child finds and recognizes simple shapes in the scribbles. More importantly, they develop as the child finds the muscle control and hand-eye co-ordination (use of hands and eye at the same time) to repeat the shape.
At this stage, the drawings look more organized. This is because the child is able to make basic forms by controlling the lines. During this stage, children hold their tools more like an adult and develop control over the materials. Children can now control their scribbles, making loops, circular shapes and lines that are distinguishable and can be repeated with ease. It is important to note, again, that there may be an overlap between developmental levels in art.
Early basic form stage: Circle and oval The first basic form drawn is the oval or circle. It develops as children recognize the simple circle in their scribbles and are able to repeat it. Both the oval and the circle develop from circular scribble stage.
Later basic forms: Rectangle and square As muscle control of 3-4 year olds improves in this stage, more basic forms appear in their drawings. The rectangle and square forms are made when the child can draw separate lines to form the rectangle or square. Children should be allowed plenty of time with the basic tools of drawing, painting, modeling, cutting and pasting and should not be rushed in to other media. The basic developmental goal for this age is the control of the media. Felt-tip pens are an excellent tool for this stage. They make clear, quick and nice looking marks. Different colors of papers and pens should be available to children in this stage to make basic forms in many colors as an exercise for their skill. The forms may look simple, but each drawing is a great motor achievement for them.
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