Knowledge about drawing, writing and numerals in mother-child graphic production, Argentina

Abstract

This study examines the knowledge of formal properties and referential function of drawing, writing and numerals displayed by mothers and their children (2 and a half years old and 4 years old) in a joint production task. A coding system was constructed using the constant comparative method and was analyzed using non-parametric tests. The results of the group with 2 and half year old children demonstrated the referential function of the three systems, especially the drawing. At the age of 4 children's interest in writing increased, as well as the consideration of the formal properties of writing and numerals and the children's independent production of drawing and writing. The study demonstrated that graphic production is an educational interaction in the family that stimulates the early appropriation of external representations.