What is your philosophy regarding coloring sheets in a preschool classroom?

Question

If anyone knows of websites or other resources that discuss this topic I would love to check them out. Thanks!

Answer 1

People may have a problem with me for saying this but I'm in favor of them.  I'm not saying that preschoolers should sit around coloring all day long--they do need to time explore different ways of expression in art.  However I teach first grade and I have students who have only been exposed to one of year of school (kindergarten) who barely know how to write, color and use scissors.  After speaking with the other teachers we've determined it's because they  haven't had opportunities to develop fine motor skills.  Practicing coloring in preschool will help them develop fine motor skills.

Answer 2

It is true, young children love to color, draw even use markers to make marks mimicking what they see the adults around them doing with pen and paper.

However, pre-printed coloring books may not be a wise decision for these still developing minds. I have listed the NAEYC website below.  I went there and did a search on 'staying in the lines' first,then 'coloring books'.

For the search on 'coloring books', it is number 3 that I chose to refer to your question.

You might find these articles or research findings interesting in making your own opinion.

With my own experience, I believe that giving the pre-schoolers a place that they can color and some safe coloring tools that are non-toxic ect...The more empty light colored space they can fill with all of the colors at their disposal and textures can be the best fun ever.

My now 10yr old, came home from his 3yr old pre-school class one Friday and had a note from his teacher with a stack of 5 pre-printed colored pages. The noted stated that he needed to work on staying in the lines and his weekend should be spent practicing how to color better and to send these things back on Monday.

Being an educator myself, I downloaded some articles from NAYEC and sent some blank paper back with a note of my own.

Basically, at this young age the lines are not their friends and they shouldn't have to see or be subject to them for a while.

Just let them explore.

I have a 2yr old now and he loves to color and draw with his crayons, on blank paper. He creates his own pictures and it is fun. I think it encourages language and stimulates imagination.

Good luck.

Sorry so long, but I am passionate about teaching, even though I am at home for the moment.

Answer 3

Kids love colouring.

Preschools have an abundance of kids.

Therefore: Preschools should have colouring.

Case closed? lol

Answer 4

The question of this comes down to a constructivist viewpoint vs. a behaviorist viewpoint.  In the behaviorist viewpoint of education, the child is supposed to behave in a certain way according to what the teacher tells the child to do.   The teacher is seen as a giver of knowledge. This is generally cringed upon by early childhood educators (but somehow embraced by many in the elementary years).   In this system, coloring sheets would be OK.

Most ECE teachers have a constructivist viewpoint, modeled after Maria Montessori and/or Piaget type theorists who believe children develop their own intellect through exploring.  In this type of environment, a coloring page would actually be a hinderance to the child's learning, as it is far too close-ended and no exploration can happen.  They might enjoy it - and it might be a good leisurely activity for them to do on their own.  There are much better options, however, for what can be done with art in a school setting and this just limits their abilities.  

Matt

Answer 5

chickadee....Ditto!!  I would like to add to these great sources the aspect of "modeling" in art. When you (teacher) present something that you or somebody else made as an example (model) the art is over!!!  You have now given a object that children will try to duplicate rather than explore what they have as a vision.  When a child's attempt seems like a failure (it doesn't look like yours) they become frustrated and disappointed.  Focus on the process, not the product.

Answer 6

I prefer not to use coloring sheets but since I am not the boss and it is a church based school we use them for the pre-k curriculum not the younger preschoolers though. When we have a coloring page we have to do I give the child directions to use a variety of colors or a certain two or three colors. Many times I will have them cut it out and add something to it and then glue, staple or tape it to another piece of paper. This gives them a bit more creative choice and extra practice with fine motor skills. It also adds to following instructions.