Scribble and draw together
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Paper and chunky crayons
Sit together with paper and crayons and scribble side by side. Make marks on the paper while your child does the same. Talk about the colors you're using. Show genuine interest in their marks and share what you're drawing. The shared creative time matters more than the final product.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Sit together with paper and crayons and scribble side by side. Make marks on the paper while your child does the same. Talk about the colors you're using. Show genuine interest in their marks and share what you're drawing. The shared creative time matters more than the final product.
Why It Works
Creative activities done together build shared interests by showing your child that you value creative expression alongside them. Parent-child shared activities during childhood predict greater life satisfaction and stronger family ties in adulthood (Amato & Rivera, 1999). These early experiences of doing creative things together establish a foundation for sharing interests as your child grows and their creative abilities develop.
Tips for Parents
Keep your own drawing simple so you can focus on the experience together. Let your child see you enjoying the process.
It's fine if they just make marks or dots. Any mark-making is developmentally appropriate.
Materials Needed
Paper and chunky crayons
Learning Methods
Hands-On ExplorationBeginning Symbolic PlayMontessori Practical Life Activities
Loved this activity? Let us do the planning for you.
Imprint personalizes every activity to your child — their interests, their stage, the traits they're building — so playtime is more fun and every moment counts.
Science-backed. Private by design. No spam.