You can build a whole person from shapes! A circle for the head. A rectangle for the body. Two long shapes for the arms, starting at the shoulders. Two long shapes for the legs. Then add a face, hair, hands and shoes.
Key idea
Head, body, arms, legs: big shapes first. The arms start at the shoulders.
Why it works
Our arms join our bodies at the shoulders, at the top corners of the body. Starting them there makes your person look like they could wave.
Common mistake
Many children attach the arms to the head. Touch your own shoulders: that is where your arms begin.
Worked example: Let's look
How many long shapes do you need for the arms and legs?
- Two arms and two legs.
- 2 + 2 = 4.
Answer: 4 long shapes.
For the grown-up. Ask your child to stand like a star, arms out. Point to the shoulders, elbows and hips. Then draw the person from shapes together.