In Defense of Coloring in Middle & High School English Classrooms
I've been teaching for over 30 years, and one thing I noticed early in my career was that STUDENTS LOVE TO COLOR! When I'd offer coloring pages (usually because I needed to buy myself a day for grading essays), my students would get so happy, so quiet, and so focused that I literally could not believe my eyes. Since then, I have allowed students opportunities to color and have kept it my little secret.
That is, until I developed these Greek Mythology-inspired coloring pages last year. I made the calculated decision to not keep my coloring a secret any longer! If my students love it, yours will too!
If I have to defend why I love to give my students occasional opportunities to color, I will say, "Watch them--they love it." If I'm really pressed, I will reply with these ten benefits of coloring:
Stress Relief: Coloring has a calming effect on the mind and can reduce stress levels. It allows teenagers to take a break from the demands of everyday life and focus on a creative and soothing activity.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in coloring promotes mindfulness, encouraging teenagers to be present in the moment. Concentrating on choosing colors and filling in spaces can be meditative, promoting relaxation.
Creativity Boost: Coloring allows teenagers to express themselves creatively. They can experiment with color combinations, patterns, and designs, fostering their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Emotional Expression: Coloring provides a non-verbal way for teenagers to express their emotions. It can be a therapeutic outlet for processing feelings and dealing with emotional challenges.
Improved Concentration: The focus required to color within lines and pay attention to details can enhance concentration and attention span. This skill can be beneficial in academic and daily life.
Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a coloring page provides a sense of accomplishment. This small achievement can boost self-esteem and confidence, contributing to positive mental well-being.
Distraction from Negative Thoughts: Coloring acts as a distraction from negative thoughts and worries. It shifts the focus to a creative and enjoyable activity, helping teenagers break free from rumination.
Social Interaction: Coloring can be a social activity when done in groups. It provides an opportunity for teenagers to
Mindful Decision-Making: Choosing colors and deciding how to fill in spaces encourages mindful decision-making. This process can translate into improved decision-making skills in other aspects of life.
Promotion of Positive Habits: Incorporating coloring into a routine can create a positive habit. It offers a healthy outlet for stress relief and self-expression, contributing to overall mental wellness.
Do your students love to color as much as mine do? Hop on over to my TPT store, and download my Cyclops coloring page for free! Also check out my whole Greek Mythology line of coloring pages!
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