Fun Ways to Build Ages 6-7

By ages six and seven, many children are eager to tell bigger stories with their drawings — comics, maps, scenes with lots of characters. The trick is keeping it playful instead of letting it turn into "correct" versus "incorrect" art. A few well-chosen games can stretch a child's drawing skills without ever feeling like a lesson.

Why Play Still Matters at This Age

It's tempting to treat six and seven year olds as "big kids" who should now draw more realistically. But playful, low-pressure practice tends to build skill and confidence far more effectively than direct instruction. Games keep the focus on enjoyment, which is exactly what keeps kids coming back to the paper.

Games Worth Trying

Comic strip challenge: Fold paper into four boxes and tell a tiny story in pictures — no words needed, or add simple speech bubbles.
Describe-and-draw: One person describes an imaginary creature out loud while the other draws it purely from listening. Swap roles and compare results for laughs.
Mirror drawing: Sit across from your child, each with paper, and try to draw the same simple picture "in sync," calling out each step together.
Timed doodle sprints: Set a two-minute timer and see how many silly creatures, houses, or vehicles your child can sketch before time runs out — this keeps drawing loose and pressure-free.
Map-making: Invite your child to draw a map of an imaginary island, their bedroom, or a treasure hunt route.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Let stories and imagination lead — accuracy is optional at this stage.
Offer fine-tip markers or colored pencils alongside crayons, since many kids this age enjoy more detail.
Celebrate finished comics or maps by displaying them, not critiquing them.
Mix in fine motor games on days when drawing stamina feels low.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child compares their drawings to friends' work. What should I say?

Gently remind them that every artist draws differently, and that trying new games together is more fun than comparing results. Redirecting to a playful challenge often shifts the mood quickly.

Should six and seven year olds be drawing "realistically" by now?

Not necessarily. Drawing skills develop at very different paces, and many children this age are still experimenting with symbols, proportion, and detail. Playful practice supports growth without forcing a timeline.

Conclusion

Ages six and seven are a wonderful window for storytelling through art. Keep sessions playful with games like comic strips, timed doodles, and map-making, and your child's drawing confidence — and skill — will keep growing naturally.