Why Acknowledging Children’s Efforts in Drawing and Writing Matters

If you’ve ever watched a young child draw or write, you know how much joy, concentration, and creativity they pour into their work. Whether it’s a page filled with colorful lines or a string of letters that don’t quite form a word, these early attempts are important milestones in their development. But how we respond as adults can make all the difference in nurturing their confidence and love of learning.

"Will you come in November to my Birthday Party" Children will write their own logical way until they get more and more practice and exposure. This is their craw before they walk, don't trip them up on the way

Beyond Praise: The Power of Meaningful Acknowledgment

It’s tempting to respond to every picture or scribble with a cheerful “Good job!”, “That’s beautiful!” or "I love it!". While praise is well-intentioned, research and Montessori philosophy suggest that children benefit even more from genuine acknowledgment of their effort and process. Instead of focusing on the end result, we can support their growth by noticing the hard work and thought they put into their creations.

We have seen firsthand how frequent praise can lead children to do things just to please adults, rather than for their own satisfaction. When children become dependent on external validation, their motivation shifts from the joy of creating to simply seeking approval. Over time, this can diminish their intrinsic motivation and creativity.

What Not to Say (And Why)

Comments like “It’s just a bunch of scribbles,” or “That’s not a word,” may seem harmless, but they can discourage children from exploring and expressing themselves. These remarks send the message that their efforts aren’t valuable unless they meet adult standards of “real” art or writing. We’ve also witnessed how putting down a child’s efforts can cause insecurity and a lack of faith in themselves. When children hear that their work isn’t “right” or “good enough,” they may stop trying altogether, afraid to make mistakes or share their ideas.

What to Say Instead

When your child shows you a drawing or piece of writing, try to focus on their effort and invite them to share more about it. Here are some simple, supportive responses:

• “I can see you worked really hard on this. Tell me about your picture!”

• “You used so many colors! What were you thinking about when you made this?”

• “I notice you wrote a lot of letters. Can you read it to me?”

• “You filled the whole page! How did you decide what to draw?”

These kinds of comments show your child that you value their process, not just the product. You’re letting them know that their ideas and effort matter, which builds confidence and encourages them to keep exploring.

Why This Matters

When children feel safe to experiment without fear of judgment or correction, they develop creativity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle new challenges. They learn that their voice is important and that making mistakes or trying new things is part of learning and growing.

A Montessori Perspective

In Montessori classrooms, teachers observe and acknowledge children’s work without judgment. They might say, “You worked on that for a long time,” or, “I see you used circles and lines in your drawing.” This approach encourages children to take pride in their own efforts and fosters intrinsic motivation - the desire to learn and create for the joy of it.

Final Thoughts

The next time your child hands you a page of “scribbles” or proudly shows off their writing, remember: your words matter. Acknowledge their effort, ask them to share their story, and celebrate the creative journey they’re on. You’re not just encouraging an artist or a writer - you’re nurturing a confident, capable learner for life.