Johnny discovered the joy of tracing last week! He got the idea when his attempts to draw the lego figures pictures on the back of his Lego City: Fight This Fire! didn’t meet his expectations. He was trying to trace through regular paper, so I got him some proper tracing paper – and he was hooked.
The lines in the Lego City book were a little complex, so I had him pick out a series of drawings from coloring books. Here are two he did once he got the hang of keeping the paper still and following lines through:
Emma joined in, tracing a few of her own coloring book pages:
I suggested that they color in their tracings, but they weren’t interested. Johnny brought a bunch of his tracings to show to his baby cousin, though!
I think tracing is a great way for kids to learn to look at the details in a drawing, and to explore different drawing styles. It’s also excellent fine motor skill practice!
One of my favorite things about Learning Laboratory is seeing the posts readers link up! Be sure to check out this amazing series of gravity-focused learning activities from Learners in Bloom several fantastic ideas!!! I always enjoy the beautiful photos at Doodles and Jots, and loved this super-duper basic explanation of what causes ripples, as well as the simple experiment Ann included to try out at home. I think pretend play is a huge piece of learning in early childhood, so I had to share this fantastic reenactment of The 3 Little Pigs from Sun Hats & Wellie Boots – be sure to read through to the child-improved ending! And my kids were awed by the Bubble Bath Spray Painting at Growing a Jeweled Rose.
ALSO, I’m guest blogging at CRAYON freckles this morning – drop by and check out Andie’s lovely blog!
What fun and creative learning have you enjoyed this past week? Please link up and share – button code is in the sidebar, and text link are fine too!
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Thanks for the mention and link and super kind words on this post not sure how I missed it!
You are welcome! Loved your ripples post :)
Whoa, Johnny’s tracings are SO impressive! Anna has no patience for that.
Wow! Once again, your kids amaze me!
Thanks so much for featuring our painting bath fun! Also, thanks for hosting the great linky :)
I think I need to get Sunnyboy some tracing paper! :)
Thanks for hosting mama :)
~MiaB
http://www.mamamiasheart2heart.com
Hey MaryAnne,you won one of Patrick George’s books on my blog.Please email me your address.x
How exciting!!! His books look gorgeous! Off to email you now :)
Their tracings look amazing! Such a fun activity!
My kids love tracing. Even though it’s not their work it’s a start, and they are always so proud of themselves.
I never thought of getting them tracing paper! That is a brilliant idea!:)
I think your kids would have a blast with this!
I used to trace things all the time as a kid. I think it’s a big help to learning to draw.
I agree that it can help with drawing – great exposure to different styles!
I bet my Sawyer would love this and it would be great practice for him with his pencil grip!
What a great idea! Love their attention to detail, and also that Johnny brought his along to show his baby cousin. :) :)
I love how excited he gets about his baby cousin :)