Drawing silly faces is great for kids because it’s fun, low-pressure and full of learning. Goofy faces teach how eyebrows, eyes and mouths show feelings, train kids to notice details, and build confidence because nothing silly can be “wrong.” They’re also one of the best ways to win back a child who thinks they can’t draw.
What kids learn from silly faces
- Emotional vocabulary. Each face is a feeling. See cartoon expressions.
- Observation. How does a face change when you’re surprised?
- Exaggeration. A cartoonist’s key skill: make it bigger.
- Confidence. Silly results are the goal.
- Humor. Laughing together makes art social.
Silly face drawing ideas
- The mirror challenge. Make a silly face in the mirror, then draw it.
- Face swap. Draw a face with someone else’s nose, ears and hair.
- One feature huge. A giant nose, tiny eyes.
- Grumpy everything. A grumpy sun, a grumpy cloud, a grumpy sandwich.
- Twelve moods. One face, twelve feelings.
- Funny family. Your family as goofy cartoons (be kind).
- Silly face dice. Roll for eyes, nose and mouth.
- Make your friend laugh. Draw a face designed to make someone laugh.
Free lessons in the funny faces hub.
Silly faces for reluctant artists
Kids who say “I can’t draw” often relax with goofy faces because the pressure disappears. See my child doesn’t like drawing and what to do when a kid says “I can’t draw”.
In the classroom
Silly faces work as a warm-up, a feelings lesson or a writing prompt (“What made this face so grumpy?”). See draw then write prompts.
Three ways to draw faces
Kevin’s faces books come as tracing books for the youngest, step-by-step books for ages 5 and up, and grid books for older kids.
The book that helps
Kevin’s Silly, Goofy and Grumpy Faces books are full of expressions to draw, step by step. They come in tracing and grid versions too.
How to Draw: Silly Faces
How to Draw: Goofy Faces
How to Draw: Grumpy FacesAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
Why is drawing silly faces good for kids?
It teaches how expressions show feelings, builds observation and exaggeration skills, and boosts confidence because nothing silly is wrong.
How do you draw a silly face?
Exaggerate one feature, mix up the eyes and mouth, add a tongue or crossed eyes, and give it a funny expression.
Are silly faces good for kids who think they can’t draw?
Yes. Silly drawings remove the pressure to be accurate, which helps reluctant artists relax and enjoy drawing.