Do Your Youngsters Like to Color & Draw?

Mary Emma Allen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:05 +0000

Coloring pictures in coloring books, as well as drawing and coloring my own, occupied me extensively when I was a child. My daughter and grandchildren have enjoyed coloring, as do many of the youngsters I have in school when I substiute teach.

I’ve also found this a great way to encourage children’s fine muscle coordination. As I’ve substituted in kindergarten this year, and followed the youngsters throughout the school year, I’ve seen a great improvement in their ability to stay within the lines, even with small pictures.

Coloring is more than simply busy work. It’s a way to develop children’s coordination, a form of rehab after accidents and strokes, keeps arthritic fingers active, and often leads to a hobby in some form of art. With Alzheimer’s patients, it helps keep their minds and fingers active.

There’s an interesting article, Coloring Pictures Is a Lot More Than Just Fun, at Better Parenting that explains the benefits of coloring for your youngsters…for learning and for fun. I’ve even sat down with youngsters and colored, trying out various drawing/coloring items and materials.

It can become a grand experience in artistic discovery as well as muscle development and coordination.