Fictional faces can invite more than one interpretation

A raised eyebrow may suggest surprise to one viewer and uncertainty to another. Use invented situations and discuss possibilities, keeping expressive drawing separate from assumptions about real children's feelings or experiences.

Keep the scenario fictional and allow several readings. Drawn expression is a storytelling convention rather than a reliable assessment of real emotions.

Ask what else the viewer could read

Raised drawn eyebrows may suggest surprise to one viewer.

Choose a fictional situation. Change drawn features. Compare interpretations.

What else could the viewer infer? Use non-face symbols as an alternative.

Expressions are interpreted differently.

Resources

• Finish the Monster Drawing — Offer the unfinished drawing as one optional starting point for an original design.

Further reading

• National Gallery of Australia — learning resources

Read next

• Change the scale and the ordinary object becomes a story
• Symmetry and deliberate asymmetry can share the page
• The empty spaces change when the paper shapes move

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