Children use art for both for enjoyment and as a means of expression. The art of children is individualistic and revealing. Instruction in the technique and interpretation of art is a component of the curriculum in most schools. In addition, classroom teachers can employ drawing as one component of activities designed to allow students to develop skills of reflection and expression. Narrative drawings—drawings that tell a story—can be incorporated into writing lessons, or used independently to strengthen skills of observation and description. Drawings are also effective tools of communication for students with limited verbal and written communication.

Drawings can help a psychologist determine a child's personality characteristics. A number of tests, such as Draw-A-Person Test, and Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test, are based on the notion that the ability to accurately draw human figures is one nonverbal measure of intelligence. For individuals with behavior and other personality disorders...