Draw a dream that scared you
Draw a dream that scared you using crayons or markers, add colors and details, then write one sentence explaining why it felt scary.
About this activity
Draw a dream that scared you using crayons or markers, add colors and details, then write one sentence explaining why it felt scary.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Place your paper and art supplies in front of you on a flat table or floor.
- 2
Step 2
Sit comfortably where you can reach your supplies easily.
- 3
Step 3
Close your eyes and picture the scariest moment of your dream for one minute.
- 4
Step 4
Open your eyes and choose one single scene from the dream to draw.
- 5
Step 5
Lightly sketch the main shapes of that scene with your pencil.
- 6
Step 6
Add important details like faces objects or shadows using your pencil.
- 7
Step 7
Trace the pencil lines you like with a crayon or marker to make them bold.
- 8
Step 8
Fill in the large background areas with colors using your crayons or markers.
- 9
Step 9
Add smaller colors patterns or spooky textures to make the scene detailed.
- 10
Step 10
Write one sentence at the bottom explaining why the dream felt scary.
- 11
Step 11
Erase any extra pencil marks and make small touch-ups if you want.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished drawing and sentence on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I do the 'Draw a dream that scared you' activity with my child?
Start by creating a calm, private space and explain the activity: draw a dream that scared you. Ask the child to think about one dream and sketch main shapes with pencil, then use crayons or markers to add colors and details. Encourage adding size, facial expressions, and background to show mood. Finally, have the child write one sentence explaining why it felt scary. Praise effort, avoid pressuring details, and offer comfort or a break if the drawing causes distress.
What materials are needed for 'Draw a dream that scared you'?
You’ll need paper or a sketchbook, a set of crayons and washable markers, pencils and an eraser for initial sketching, and a pen or pencil for the sentence. Optional items include stickers, stamps, or textured materials for extra detail, wipes or paper towels for cleanup, and a clipboard or hard surface to draw on. Keep tissues and a comforting item nearby in case the topic upsets the child.
What ages is 'Draw a dream that scared you' suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through teens with simple adjustments. Ages 4–6 can draw basic shapes while an adult writes the sentence for them. Ages 6–9 can sketch and write a short sentence with help. Ages 9–12 can add more details and write independently. Teens can explore symbolism, mood, and longer explanations. Always adapt prompts, time, and reassurance to the child’s emotional maturity and pause if they become upset.
What are the benefits of doing the 'Draw a dream that scared you' activity?
Drawing a scary dream helps children process fear by externalizing images, builds emotional vocabulary, and increases a sense of control. It supports fine motor skills, color choice, and storytelling, and creates a safe conversation starter for caregivers to validate feelings and teach coping strategies like breathing or reframing. When paired with comforting routines, it can reduce anxiety and help children feel understood and supported.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have crayons or markers to trace and color the dream scene?
If you don't have crayons or markers for steps 6 and 7, use colored pencils, gel pens, watercolor paints, or cut colored magazine paper to glue down as background color and to trace pencil lines from step 5.
My traced lines keep smudging or looking messy when I go over the pencil—how can I fix that?
If tracing in step 6 smudges, wait a minute for the pencil to settle, place a scrap paper under your hand, and retrace only the strongest pencil lines with a crayon or a fine-tip marker to reduce smears.
How should we change the activity for different ages so it's not too hard or too quiet for kids?
For younger kids shorten step 3 to a 15–30 second imagining and let them use big crayons and stickers for steps 4–8, while older kids can spend more time on detailed sketches in steps 4–5 and expand the sentence in step 11 into a short paragraph or comic strip sequence.
How can we make the finished drawing more personal or take the activity further after sharing on DIY.org?
To enhance the drawing, add layered spooky textures like torn tissue or charcoal smudges in step 8, photograph it with dramatic lighting and write a reflective caption for step 12, or turn the scene from step 4 into a mini flipbook showing how the dream changes.