How to Draw
Easy step-by-step sketches for kids. Follow along, or print a trace sheet.
About How to Draw
Each picture is built from simple shapes in four easy steps, with the newest lines shown in red so children can see exactly what to add next. Switch to the trace sheet for younger children who are building pencil control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this for?
The step-by-step guides suit roughly ages 5 to 10. The dotted trace sheets work for ages 3 to 6 who are learning to hold a pencil.
How many things can I learn to draw?
There are 27 in five groups: animals (cat, dog, fish, bird, turtle, elephant, penguin, owl, whale, butterfly, ladybug), nature (tree, flower, sun, mushroom), food (apple, ice cream, pizza), buildings and vehicles (house, castle, sailboat, car, rocket) and just for fun (snowman, robot, balloon, umbrella).
Can I print the drawing steps?
Yes. Press Print to get a clean page with the steps, the finished drawing and an empty square for the child to draw in.
Teacher's guide to How to Draw
These easy how to draw lessons for kids break every picture into four simple steps. Choose a house, cat, fish, rocket or another sketch, follow the steps, then print the page with an empty square for your own drawing. Younger children can use the trace sheet instead.
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How to use it
- Choose what to draw from 27 sketches in five groups: animals, nature, food, buildings and vehicles, and just for fun.
- Choose a Step-by-step guide or a Trace the dotted lines sheet.
- Follow the four steps. The newest lines are shown in red.
- Press Print for a page with the steps, the finished picture and an empty square to draw in.
Classroom ideas
- Use the trace sheets for pencil-control practice with younger children.
- Give each table a different subject and display the finished drawings.
- Use as a sub-plan or early-finisher station.
Class activities that use this tool
- Draw and Describe Partner Game 25 min · Back-to-back partners describe a picture in words while the other draws it, building listening, vocabulary and precise language.
- Five-Minute Drawing Warm-Up 15 min · A calm starter where students follow a step-by-step sketch, then add their own details to make it unique.
Common questions about the how to draw
How do I teach a child to draw?
Start with simple shapes. Each guide here builds a picture from a rectangle, circle or triangle, adding one new part per step.
What can I learn to draw?
There are 27 sketches: animals such as a cat, dog, owl, penguin and elephant, nature, food, buildings, vehicles and fun pictures like a robot or a snowman.
Is there a printable version?
Yes. Press Print for the steps, the finished drawing and a blank square, or choose the trace sheet with dotted lines.