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.

How have you used coloring and art in your family or at school?

(Amazon image)

Post from: Blisstree

Do Your Youngsters Like to Color & Draw?

I took several painting courses and explored various medium.  I’m amazed at all the different types available today…those I see my daughter use for her fabric art and even pencils and inks youngsters bring to school where I substitute teach.

Image: sxc.hu

Do you have an urge to draw and paint?

• Keep a sketchbook with you, even a small one, so you can jot down sights and textures you come across.
• Check out the various types of pencils, paints, and inks available for artwork nowadays.
• Take an art class, perhaps at an adult education facility or one at the local parks and recreation.  Join your children in a class and have fun together.
• Design and sketch greeting cards and post cards.  Nowadays, you simply make one master, then scan it into the computer for printing out.
• Try painting on larger canvas or  board.

After painting for your own enjoyment, you may even have someone ask to purchase your work, as I did.

Post from: Blisstree

Rediscovering Painting

I like the idea of turning it into a camper.

Inner shiny wood visual. It would make a quirky nice office; but people would be coming up and knocking all the time.

This is a view of two together to make a double level. The following drawing shows how this would work. Well, actually I guess it would be a triple level.

Flashy light and bright upper windows.

All shape, all colors.

I don’t know. My son LOVES it but I’m not so much a sports person. I think I’d rather live in a Frisbee shaped house (go Frisbee) and that frankly would be a tight fit.

What about you?  

Post from: Blisstree

Soccer Ball House