Color Therapy - 7 Great Reasons to Let Kids Color

Sitting in the doctor's waiting room a few weeks ago, I made a fascinating discovery. On the counter were some coloring pages filled with patterns, and a sign urging adults to try the latest in stress relief techniques. This probably isn't news to you because apparently coloring for adults has been a worldwide craze for some time now.

So it seems I must have been living under a rock, because this craze was news to me!

But it's hardly a secret to teachers or parents that the simple art of coloring calms children. It really is a soothing process. If young people enjoy the focus and attention to detail involved in coloring, it shouldn't be a surprise that older people find it just as soothing and enjoyable.

I have seen the magic that coloring can work in the classroom. I would never have believed twelve and thirteen year old boys would enthusiastically tackle a coloring activity, albeit a fairly complex patterned exercise, unless I'd seen it myself. It proved to be a simple yet effective way to help everyone calm down after the inevitable rough and tumble of lunchtime football games. For a short time after breaks, I would read our class novel and the kids would listen and color, and we all loved it.

1. Coloring is a simple strategy to help relieve stress and anxiety. Perfect to use before or after tests and other stressful situations that arise. Great for settling down time immediately after play breaks.

2. Coloring focuses attention. Staying between the lines and paying attention to the detail of a pattern requires focus. Helps fidgeters to focus and listen to a story or class novel. 

3. Coloring provides some good old technology free time! No screens, no devices, no electronics...

4. Great for early finishers! A challenging coloring page in their desk provides incentive for kids to complete a task without time wasting.

5. Coloring is versatile. Mix it up a bit! Challenge the kids to select only one color and use different shades of that color on a complex pattern. Get kids to highlight one section of the picture through the use of warm and cool colors. Have children discuss and observe patterns, then design their own masterpiece to color!

6. Coloring and focusing on staying between the lines develops fine motor control.

7. Coloring is fun. No pressure, no competition. Gives kids gives lots of opportunities to experiment with colors, explore patterns and express themselves simply.

With these great reasons in mind, I thought I'd try my hand at creating some seasonal calm and stress relief for the classroom. I had lots of willing volunteers at home to de-stress with some coloring therapy!

And a freebie to help de-stress you!

Happy coloring!