Coloring is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to create art at home. Using simple art supplies and DIY materials, children can let their creativity flow in projects of varying complexity. Of course, coloring is fun for kids of all ages, but it also offers additional positive factors that help a child’s development. Here are some of the main benefits, along with our favorite DIY coloring projects.
5 Main Benefits of Coloring for Kids
Coloring projects are often associated with younger kids, but there are developmental benefits for older children too.
1. Progressive Creative Development
Younger kids typically start with crayons before moving to pencils and then markers. The range of tools at a child’s disposal opens space for a clear progression in skill and sophistication.
2. Improves Fine Motor Skills
Coloring helps in the development of fine motor skills, as children must stay within the lines and build endurance. As a child gets older projects can become more complex, thus allowing for advancements in motor skills.
3. Promotes Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is important for a child’s overall development, and coloring builds this vital skill. Kids must identify an area to color, then make their idea come to life without losing focus.
4. Encourages Color Awareness
Learning about effective color combinations enhances a child’s ability to create inventive artwork. Younger children can start with basic blocks of color, then gradually move towards subtle tones and shading.
5. Structured Creative Expression
Coloring allows children to use their creativity within a structured project. A child can trace household items to create an outline, then make their own color choices within the project’s boundaries.
Coloring Projects Using Homemade Materials
Coloring projects don’t need to be complicated. You can design a coloring project from almost anything by using materials found in the home.
- Create shapes with a glass and ruler – Trace an animal design, then add color using crayons.
- Paint a ceramic mug – Apply acrylic paint to a plain white mug based on a theme like nature, sports and so on.
- Design holiday decorations – Use cardboard to trace and cut out a star or Christmas tree and add color using crayons, markers or paint.
- Print out coloring pages – For a fun coloring project, print coloring pages based on a child’s favorite cartoon character.
- Collect garden items – Collect leaves, twigs and other garden items, trace an outline and then add color.
- Robot collage – Try our coloring and decorating a robot collage project.
Access High-Quality Art Lessons for Children
Golden Road Arts creates top-quality art lessons for children to follow at home or in the classroom. We provide parents and teachers with accessible tutorials to support a child’s development. Take a look at our free art lessons now. Please also consider donating or buying art from our online art gallery.
