ABSTRACT
It is very tempting to show children how to draw. Often what happens is that a method or stereotype is taught and the children copy it. There are plenty of well-known stereotypes to be found. The zigzag shape of a Christmas tree so frequently found is surely more to do with adult concepts of a tree than what a child would draw. Yet many of these stereotypes are shown with the best of intentions. Children see how to draw birds by joining up two circles, or fishes by adding to an oval shape. Or they learn to draw a shape for themselves and repeat it over and over again. When they develop their own repeated symbols this is quite natural to them and part of their evolving perception. But when shapes are forced on them by an adult, then progress may be somewhat held back.
