Can You Draw What I Describe? A Partner Drawing Game

By Emily Helfgot

Mar 29, 2024

20 min activity

Have you ever described something to someone only to find out that they pictured it differently from what you meant? The “Tiny Time Travel” series explores what happens when communication between people breaks down. While we sometimes think that friends may understand something in the same way we do, it’s important to understand their point of view to communicate effectively.

This drawing activity is a great way to practice sharing, taking in, and understanding information. Support your child as they explain, answer questions, and ask questions themself. You’ll each draw your own picture. Then you’ll try to draw each picture by describing how to draw them to each other. Work through communication challenges by acknowledging what’s difficult and support each other in moving forward by changing your approach by asking questions and trying to say something in a different way.

Materials

4 pieces of paper
2 pencils (or 2 markers or 2 crayons)

Directions

Invite your child to play a drawing game with you. Each person needs a piece of paper and something to draw with. Sit back to back on the floor or at a table.

Talk about what you’d like to draw. You can suggest drawing something they saw this morning or something they did today. Or you can suggest drawing something like, such as their favorite animal or place. Let your child know that you’re going to draw a picture too! When you’re ready, set a timer so you have 2 minutes to draw. Go!

Now it’s time to copy each other’s drawings — but without looking! Tell your child that you’d like them to draw your picture first, and you’ll be telling them how to draw it without them seeing it. Continue sitting back to back or separated in some way.

Start by explaining what your picture is of or by explaining a first step. For example, you can start by saying something very broad like, “It’s a picture of my favorite animal, our pet cat.” They can draw their own interpretation of what that is. Let them know that they can ask questions if they have any. For example, they can ask if the cat you drew is sitting or standing. You can also ask if they would like to know how you started the drawing by describing shapes and where they go on the page.

After a few instructions, ask your child to give you a sneak peek of what they have done. After you’ve taken a peek, think about what you need to say to better explain your drawing. For example, you can say, “The cat’s face is round with two ears that are shaped like triangles.” or “I drew 5 stripes on the cat’s tail.”

When your child has finished drawing, compare your original picture with their copy. How do they differ from each other? What’s similar? Talk about what your child heard when you gave the instructions. Do they have suggestions for how you could have described your picture better?

Switch places with your child and try to draw their picture by listening to their instructions. Point out when your child says something you understand, and ask questions to clarify something you don’t understand. Have fun together and play again!