When should toddlers draw shapes?

Answered by Edward Huber

When it comes to toddlers and drawing shapes, it’s truly fascinating to witness their development and progression. As a parent or caregiver, it’s natural to wonder when your little one will start drawing recognizable shapes like circles and squares. Well, based on my personal experiences and observations, I can share some insights.

Around the age of two and a half, toddlers may begin to make circular scribbles on paper. These initial attempts at drawing a circle might not be perfect, but you can see them trying to form a rounded shape. It’s a wonderful sign of their growing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

By the time they reach three years old, you may start seeing a significant improvement in their ability to draw circles. At this stage, they can often produce a full circle that resembles the shape we typically associate with it. It’s truly amazing to witness this milestone as they gain more control over their movements.

As they continue to practice and refine their drawing skills, toddlers around three and a half to four years old usually begin incorporating more complex shapes into their artwork. One of the first shapes they can typically draw after circles is the two steps of the cross. This shape consists of two perpendicular lines intersecting each other, forming a simple cross-like figure.

Around four years old, toddlers can start drawing an accurate square. This milestone represents a significant leap in their cognitive and fine motor development. It’s incredible to see them progress from basic scribbles to creating recognizable shapes like squares.

It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, so the timeline I’ve provided is a general guideline. Some children may show these skills earlier or later, and that’s perfectly normal. What truly matters is supporting and encouraging their artistic exploration by providing them with ample opportunities to draw and create.

In conclusion, toddlers typically start drawing circular scribbles at around two and a half years old. By three years, they can often produce a full circle, and around three and a half to four years old, they may begin drawing the two steps of the cross. Finally, at around four years old, they can start drawing an accurate square. Celebrate each milestone your little artist achieves and enjoy watching their creativity blossom!