Most children have a lot of fun with dot-to-dot pictures. This is an excellent exercise to give free rein to children’s imagination, while stimulating fine motor skills and training the pincer grasp, a key movement for the later development of writing.
In addition, it is a very beneficial activity for psychological development since it contributes to the maturation of some cognitive functions such as perception, attention and thinking. Although one of the biggest attractions for children is that the dot-to-dot drawings represent a real challenge in which they must put their psychomotor skills to the test in order to complete it, so it is not surprising that it becomes one of their favorite hobbies.
What exactly are dot to dot pictures?
Dot to dot pictures are pictures of objects, characters, landscapes, cartoons, animals, or any other figure whose shape is defined precisely by various points that must be linked together.
Depending on the level of complexity of the drawing, the points will be more or less distant, so that while The greater the distance, the more complex the image. In the more complex versions, the drawings can include numbers for each point as a strategy to guide the layout.
It is worth noting that one of the main characteristics of this type of drawing is that At first glance, the final shape cannot be appreciated, which arouses curiosity and adds extra motivation to the child, who will make an effort to discover the figure that is represented.
At what age can children make dot-to-dot drawings?
Dot-to-dot drawings are designed for children over 3 years of age, since from that age they begin to develop their perception of space and are capable of representing an incomplete image, according to Gestalt principles. Also, it is not until after the age of three that they develop the skills necessary to hold a pencil in their hand and make steady strokes from one point to another on paper.
However, it is worth clarifying that this minimum age may vary depending on the complexity of the drawing. For example, drawings of dots with numbers or those that require more difficult strokes are ideal for older children, from 6 or 7 years old, who have greater control of their motor skills and who already know or they are learning to count.
5 dot-to-dot pictures for children to have fun at home
1. Elephant Drawing
This is an ideal dot-to-dot drawing for older children as they will have to put their math skills to the test to complete it. Undoubtedly, it is a very cute image that once finished, you can color it and give it to someone in the house.
2. Seahorse drawing
Undoubtedly, this is a beautiful drawing for the little ones at home to have fun completing it at home. The image represents a seahorse, which the children can color once finished. It is worth noting that in order for them to get down to work, they will need to know how to count to at least the number 100.
3. Cat drawing
For children who like cats They will be excited about shaping this pretty kitty. It is a fairly easy drawing, ideal so that the little ones at home can also entertain themselves, while training their fine motor skills. When finished, they can color the drawing with some of their favorite paints and, the most daring can even give the pussycat a name.
4. Turtle Cartoon
Little fans of the marine world and especially turtles will be delighted to shape this beautiful little turtle. Of course, to achieve this challenge they must know how to count to at least the number 100 because to complete the path it is necessary to follow a precise numerical order.
5. Koala drawing
It is a perfect drawing to introduce the koala to the children who are getting to know the animals since they will be the ones in charge of shaping this “new” animal. Once the figure is complete, you can describe some of the main characteristics of the koala and encourage the little ones to color the drawing.