When the CM hands out paper and crayons for drawing...

[Dominique07]

She always draws a picture for the children to colour in!
Her child will NOT draw anything on the paper until there is a drawing there (which confused me at first) until I saw their routine.
Would it be unreasonable to explain that I don't want my son to be taught to wait as I would rather see what creativity comes out of his own creation?
In my opinion, I don't like to do things for him too much, i.e. i noticed him asking me to draw a horse previously and i had the idea that he might become one of those children in the classroom at school who rely on the teaching assistant. Is it a reasonable request or will she think i am totally BONKERS!?

Obviously I would aim for a healthy balance, allowing him to decide what he wants to do when he is feeling inspired and of course would help him when he asks/ if struggling.

It is thought to be bad practice (old-fashioned?) to give children pre-printed/drawn things to colour in (although it can be relaxing for them to do it occasionally - it shouldn't be a regular thing). You're meant to show them lots of things, which the children use as inspiration to create their own drawings/creations. So I'd definitely tell her that you don't want her doing this for your son.

gosh EYFS is really really hot on child-led activities

drawing the picture first is a bit erm stifling I agree

hang on and I'll see if can find any links to show you what I mean

about making connections here

I agree pre-printed pictures are now frowned upon - obviously there has to be a healthy balance and if a child likes them then there is no harm occasionally in them.

I don't think you are unreasonable to ask the childminder to allow your son freedom of creativity in this respect.

I am a CM and I let the children do their own things, but if they specifically ask me to draw something (usually something challenging like a helicopter) then I will do it.

Maybe she just does her own drawings now and again for the children to colour in and other times lets them make their own decisions/creations.

I suppose it depends on the age of the child really and some children need a bit of prompting just to pick up a crayon.

What about all the colouring books we used to colour in as children and which are still sold? Are they all to be banned just because of the EYFS?

I'm really glad you all seem to be saying what my instincts are telling me!
I will put it to her gently then, I thought I should tread carefully as she might take it personally, since shes got used to doing this with her daughter.

I think there are times when children like to do a very prescribed activity which is set out for them and other times when they should be allowed to express themselves freely. As long as there is a bit of both, I think that's fine (personally).

personally (and maybe I'm being too unassertive) I wouldn't necessarily bring it up - if she is good in other ways why risk a good relationship

also how much time does your ds spend there? can you not make sure he get more freestyle time with you?

I could see why you might be surprised, but I think there are worse things she could be doing - at least they're drawing and not glued to TV!