This presentation is designed to elevate educator's and parents' practices with preschool and early childhood activities in order to cultivate creative, independent, critical thinking thru art-making. The interactive presentation begins with a slide show showing examples of drawings and paintings by students in early childhood classrooms from preschool through third grade. Highlighted is the connection between early art-making and its impact on literacy. The visuals will include prime, substantive examples of student creativity contrasted with common, parent and teacher-directed activities. Many certified early childhood teachers, art educators and parents have not been exposed to the powerful significance of scribbles. Adult-generated products on the “teacher market” will be discussed. Outcomes include participants’ collaborative discussion about the effects these activities have on students, and proactive classroom practices that instead cultivate age-appropriate, profoundly educational image-making. Throughout the 50-minute format, participants will be encouraged to ask questions and contribute ideas. For the full day workshop, participants will engage in art-making activities.