5 Easy Step-by-Step Drawing for Kids

Drawing is an incredible way for kids to express their creativity, develop fine motor skills, and build confidence. Whether your child is a complete beginner or just looking for fun ways to improve their skills, learning to draw step by step makes the process easy and enjoyable.

If your little one is eager to start drawing but doesn’t know where to begin, these five simple drawing exercises will help them develop foundational skills while having fun. Check out our exclusive drawing course here and help your child unleash their creativity!

What you need: A printed image, tracing paper, and a marker.

One of the easiest ways for kids to start drawing is by tracing basic shapes. This method helps children train their hands to follow lines, understand proportions, and gain better control over their strokes. Tracing is a great confidence booster because it allows kids to create something recognizable immediately.

Start with simple images like animals, fruits, or everyday objects before moving on to more complex drawings.

🎥 Watch our tracing tutorial here! Find An Image And Trace Its Shapes

What you need: Sketchbook, pencil, and eraser.

Once kids feel comfortable with tracing, they can break objects into basic 3D shapes. Everything around us—houses, animals, cars—can be simplified into cubes, cylinders, pyramids, and spheres.

Encourage them to rotate objects and draw them from different angles to improve their perspective skills.

🎥 Check out our 3D drawing tutorial here! Combine 3D Shapes To Make An Object

What you need: A round object (e.g., an apple or ball), a light source, and a pencil.

Shading is a key skill that makes drawings look more realistic. Kids can learn how to add depth and dimension to their sketches by observing light and shadows. This exercise helps children understand how light interacts with objects, making their drawings more lifelike.

If shading is too complex, start with pencil pressure exercises—lightly shade from dark to light on a blank sheet before trying it on a drawing.

🎥 Learn shading techniques in this video! Draw a Round Object with Shadows

What you need: Paper, pencil, and colored pencils.

Flowers are perfect for beginner drawing because they involve simple shapes and allow creative freedom. Plus, flowers help kids practice symmetry, curves, and fine details.

For variety, draw different flowers like roses, daisies, or sunflowers.

🎥 Follow this step-by-step flower drawing guide! Draw a Flower

What you need: A reference photo, pencil, and eraser.

Animals are one of the most fun things for kids to draw! They involve different shapes, textures (fur, scales, feathers), and unique details that help improve observational skills.

If they have a pet, let them use it as a live reference for even better practice!

🎥 Watch our easy animal drawing tutorial! Draw an Animal That Has Gone Extinct

The drawing gets better with practice. Encourage kids to try new things, explore different techniques, and enjoy the process without worrying about perfection. Every attempt helps them grow more confident in their skills.

These simple exercises will help children improve their coordination, develop creativity, and build a love for art. They’ll improve with patience and regular practice—one sketch at a time.

Want more step-by-step drawing tutorials? Explore our complete collection here! Drawing Activities for Kids