Art class is now in session! Join animator and author Mo Willems in his studio for Lunch Doodles, a series of virtual art classes where you and your little ones can learn how to draw, doodle, and write. Grab your supplies, put that imagination to work, and create together!

After tuning in with Willems, encourage your budding artists to continue creating with these tips and inventive activities.

Prepare your materials

Set a table with all the supplies they need to get started. Bring out paper, pencils, crayons, pencil crayons, markers, and maybe even a few fun add-ons, like glitter glue or stickers.

Choose a theme

To help spark inspiration, give them a theme or creative prompt to follow. It can be real or make-believe—fun themes include around the world, fairy tales, and magical creatures.

Make learning fun

Bring education into this creative activity. Encourage kids to draw using shapes and letters from the alphabet. It’s as easy as ABC! For instance, see how many shapes and letters they can use when drawing a person—circles for eyes, a triangle for a nose, the letter “T” for a shirt, and the letter “L” for legs and feet.

Let imagination take flight

Remind them that there is no right or wrong way to draw or doodle. Everyone’s work will look a little different; that’s what makes the creative process so special.

Sign their work

Encourage kids to sign their drawings—older children can add their signature or initials with a flourish, while little artists can practice printing out their name. If you have space on your fridge or bulletin board, consider hanging their creations for all to see. Switch out their pieces so you have a rotating exhibition of their artwork.