“I am now of the opinion that children should first be taught the art of drawing before learning how to write.”
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Source: M.K. Gandhi, An Autobiography / The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Navajivan, 1927-29)
About this quote
The claim is that the hand and eye should be trained to observe and shape forms before being asked to copy letters. Drawing teaches a child to really look — proportion, line, spacing — so writing later rests on genuine motor skill and attention rather than rote imitation.
When to use it
- A preschool has children sketch everyday objects for a term before handing them pencils for letters.
- A parent lets a toddler trace shapes and scribble freely instead of drilling the alphabet early.
- An art teacher starts beginners with slow contour drawing to train their eyes before any technique.