There’s a simple activity that helps kids to develop cognitively, psychologically and creatively: coloring! They love to do it…and it could lead to a healthier, happier life in adolescence and into adulthood! Here are just some of the key benefits of coloring for kids:
1. Improves Motor Skills
The act of coloring can help to improve motor skills in young children. The actions, motions and precise grip involved in coloring can aid in the development of the muscles of the fingers, hands and wrist. Fine motor skill development can help children write more skillfully as well as manipulate small objects. They can then build on these skills to become better typists and more adept in sports and other activities.
2. Prepares Them for School
Children’s education takes place in a classroom with a fair amount of structure. Lessons are issued on paper via assignments, tests and other written course work. Coloring sheets, books and pages can be integral in preparing kids for the more structured work on paper ahead of them.
3. Stimulates Creativity
Whether they stay in the lines or not, coloring fosters a creative spirit and an appreciation for visual differences. Coloring can stoke the imagination and inspire kids to brainstorm and learn to think of new ideas on their own naturally.
4. Contributes to Better Handwriting
Dexterity, hand strength and attention to detail are all required to write both printed letters and cursive script. Starting out with coloring pages early can help to develop these qualities so that writing comes more easily and naturally.
5. Color Awareness, Recognition and Discernment
The names and hues of colors must be learned, and coloring on coloring pages fosters practice and awareness of primary and common colors as well as more nuanced color awareness of lesser-known, more subtle colors in a direct hands-on manner.
6. Improved Focus and Hand to Eye Coordination
Coordination and the ability to focus is just developing in young children, and undertaking activities to foster and strengthen this budding talent assists in efficient, healthy development. The act of holding crayons, choosing colors, implementing the color in the ideal spot and even sharpening crayons can all help with cultivating strong hand-eye coordination in youngsters.
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