I’ve pulled together my favorite coloring pages tips for getting the most out of using coloring pages with preschool children and making it an educational experience:

• Start with larger drawing materials like thick pencils and crayons before introducing thinner ones. The thinner ones are suitable for children with a controlled grip.
• Avoid markers, as they can make holes in the paper.
• Use quality pencils – have them sharpened and available. Make sure they are of a sufficient length to ensure the children are developing the correct grip. Short pencils can be recycled into craft activities.
• Some children are concerned if they go outside the lines. We need to reassure and support the child. Be mindful that the degree of detail on the page should be appropriate to the child’s ability.
• As with writing, when coloring in, make sure they are set up correctly, with correct posture at a desk or table. This is essential to avoid developing lifelong bad habits.
• Guide and support the children; for example: “if you keep coloring on the one spot for too long what do you think will happen?” This is part of learning from experience and building resilience.
• Ensure the page is relevant to the child’s interests, a topic you have been researching or a project you have been working on.

Ideas for using a completed coloring page:

• Present it as a gift (e.g. to a parent) if children are happy to part with it.
• Cut it up as a puzzle and reassemble it with the child; they do enjoy this. Please ensure you only do this if the child wants to.
• Paste it in a book or display it in a photo frame.