I compile my kids’ artwork from school and home and I keep it in my scrapbook. Last week, after I returned from the Youth Literacy Training, I grabbed my scrapbook and both Jimmy and I browsed through our pictures. I told him that the NWT Literacy Council wanted me to share a blog on their website about how I encourage my children to be more creative with their drawings.
In the fall, my Mom, Auntie, and little nieces and nephews drove up to the airport and spent a few hours harvesting firewood. Later that week, both my children, who were both 5 and 8 at the time, came to my work. I asked them if they wanted to colour a page for my scrapbook. Ethan colored a simple person, truck and trees. I said Ethan “I don’t like the way your picture looks. It needs more colour. I thought there would be more trees in the bush or the sky was filled with clouds. We also filled our truck with lots of firewood. Do you remember what color leaves that were falling from the trees?” Every time he brought back his drawing to me, I’d shake my head and he’d add more details and colours. He added the bird in the trees and stickers as well.
My daughter Tiara, started to draw a picture of leaves falling from the tree. I said “Tiara, look outside and see what kind of leaves you see, what colours are the leaves. What else is happening in your picture?” She then added a boy and girl jumping in the mud puddle throwing leaves, while mom and dad were watching”
When they were finished it made me feel so proud to see their art. I asked them what the picture is all about and they would tell me their story about our trip.
Tephaine Wedawin
