A Perfect Kid's Gift

She liked it! She really liked the gift I gave her. I believe I was more excited than my granddaughter.
Unless I'm given the exact spelling of what my grandkids want, I'm at a loss.  It turns into one big guessing game. I find myself asking store clerks for advice. (Actually begging for advice.)
When the time comes to give my gift, I'm sure to attach the receipt, apologize as it's being opened, and usually have some cookies waiting in the wings. But this time was different. Katie's response was immediate. No receipt or apology was necessary. It was love at first sight. She adores drawing anywhere, anytime. This sweet "Pipity", oil-clothed tote, opened up to all the accessories needed to bring her ideas to life. With an easel, pockets and a shoulder strap, this little honey was ready to get to work at home, in the car, or even at Bubbie's house. 
Share with us your successes, suggestions, and thoughts on gift-giving for kids. Love to hear from you!
Best, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies 
How To Choose The Perfect Gift For Your Child

Coloring Books Verses Blank Paper

Draw anything your little heart desires...imagine that! 
All you need is a piece of blank paper and a writing tool and you're off and running...I mean drawing!
This little sweetheart jumped right in with his blue marker and a plan. He clearly had something in mind as he drew his loop-d-loops, squiggly lines and came to his big finish with lots of dots. It was then off to the refrigerator for display and then back to the drawing board for his next dive into a million possibilities.
Although I have coloring books on hand, I usually offer white paper with crayons or markers for coloring fun. My grandkids never turn down the chance to show me what they can do. It's always exciting to hear the stories that lie within the lines. 
Share with us your coloring ways with your kids and/or grandkids. Always enjoy hearing from you.
Best, 
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Scholastic/Coloring Inside the Lines
"Preschool (and kindergarten) is a time of exploration, experimentation, and creativity. It is best not to expect your child to try to work within the lines or to try to make perfect letters at this stage."
Why I Don't Buy Colorinng Books for My Kids
"If you want to raise creative kids, skip the coloring books and give them paper and crayons. Encourage them to draw for themselves."

Drawing Out the Best in Kids

Bringing out large sheets of white paper with drawing supplies is always a hit at Bubbie's house. My grand kids know I can't wait to hang their masterpieces on my fridge, for all to admire.
This fine day my five year old started slow by choosing and sharpening her favorite colored pencils, while my seven year old jumped in, pens first, anxious to get his ideas recorded quickly.
I watched these kids and observed decision making, eye-hand coordination, concentration and imaginative skills developing. They looked at it as the best part of their day...especially since their Bubbie always has their favorite treats sitting by their side. Works for me!
'Till next time,
Bubbie and her grand kids!
How do you get your kids and/or grand kids to the drawing table? 
Why Drawing is Important for Children
The Importance of Drawing for Young Children

The Art of Scribbling

You can cover a lot more ground arming yourself with two markers instead of one, which is what Jude discovered early on. His theory does pan out!  I've tried it!  And the best part about the medium that he's chosen, is that the washable markers slip and slide at record speeds over his laminated, coloring sheet, moving him that much faster along to his favorite part of all...erasing!  With just a few broad strokes with a wet-wipe, he's ready to start again!
Won't you share some of your grandkids/kids favorite ways to draw?
Happy Coloring,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
The Art of Scribbling
Learning to Write and Draw
First Children's Drawings