The Link Between Drawing and Visual Thinking
Some people think best with words; others think best with pictures. Drawing is closely tied to this second style, often called visual thinking — but what's the actual nature of the link between practicing drawing and thinking more visually?
The Basic Connection
Visual thinking involves processing and organizing ideas through mental images rather than only language, and drawing is essentially the physical expression of that process. Anyone who draws regularly is, by definition, getting practice translating ideas into visual form — the link here is fairly direct.
Where to Stay Cautious
It's less clear whether practicing drawing makes someone a stronger visual thinker in a lasting, general sense, versus simply reflecting a visual thinking style someone already has. People who naturally think in pictures may simply be drawn to drawing more, which makes cause and effect hard to untangle.
How This Link Appears in Daily Life
Children who sketch out ideas — how to build something, what a story's setting looks like, how a plan might unfold — are actively using drawing as a thinking tool, not just a finished product. Encouraging this kind of "thinking on paper" may make visual thinking feel more natural and accessible over time.
A Simple Activity to Try
When your child is trying to explain a plan or idea and struggling with words, suggest they sketch it instead. A quick, rough diagram of a fort design or a game's rules can unlock ideas that are hard to put into words.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Offer sketching as an option when a child gets stuck explaining something verbally.
- Use diagrams and drawings for teaching multi-step processes.
- Let children use quick, simple shapes and symbols rather than requiring detailed pictures.
- Value visual thinking as equally legitimate to verbal thinking, not secondary to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visual thinking better than verbal thinking?
Neither is inherently better — they're different, complementary styles, and most people use a mix of both depending on the task.
Can a child who isn't naturally visual still benefit from drawing?
Yes, drawing can still be a useful additional tool even for children who lean more verbal, offering another way to process and communicate ideas.
How can I tell if my child is a visual thinker?
Look for signs like preferring to sketch out plans, remembering things better with pictures, or explaining ideas more easily by drawing them. This isn't a formal diagnosis, just a general tendency.
Conclusion
Drawing and visual thinking are closely linked by definition, with the exact direction of cause and effect harder to pin down. Either way, encouraging some visual thinking practice is a reasonable, low-cost addition to a child's toolkit. Related reading: drawing and spatial awareness, and our printable coloring pages.