The Big Idea: It can be so much easier to start a conversation with a child who’s withdrawn when they begin it themselves…without words. Then they can start sharing their stories.
Artmaker: Draw It Out!
Sometimes there are just no words, and that’s where art comes in. Art is also a good way to start sharing our stories. Share these open-ended drawing activities and ask children to tell you about what they’ve drawn. There are different “canvases” to choose from; for each, you might use these conversation starters:
- Feeling Basket: Draw a feeling in the basket. When have you felt each of those feelings?
- Draw What’s in Your Heart: Tell me about what you’ve drawn. Did something happen that made you feel that way? When have you felt like that before?
- Make Your Own Journal Cover: You can draw feelings and memories in here—what will you call your book? (Print it and tape it to the cover of a plain notebook.)
- Picture This: Draw someone important in your life. Tell me about who you’ve drawn. Would you like to share a story or memory about this person?
