by Ellen Page

Created on: July 17, 2010   Last Updated: March 15, 2012

Coloring books are an educational tool that provides an excellent means for youngsters to get creative, as they contain a vast array of bold outlines for children to color in. They come in various different styles or themes that offer a variety of pictures to suit children of differing ages. Some have simple bold outlines for younger children who are just learning how to grasp a crayon, and others have more intricate detail for older children to give them a challenge. Coloring books can be used in many ways, as a child can use a multitude of drawing tools to experience different artistic mediums.

Children love to color as it sparks their imagination, and it gives them the opportunity to express their creativity. Creative play is a vital part of growing up, and such activities provide a child with skills in preparation for school. Coloring and drawing is an important activity, as it strengthens hand muscles, and dexterity. As well as being a fun activity, coloring in pictures and learning to grasp a crayon promotes many educational benefits, such as learning how to control and manipulate a crayon, which aids in improving and developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. A great level of skill is required to color within the lines, which increases and builds on a child's focus and concentration levels. Once a child learns to color within the lines, this teaches them about boundaries which will help prepare a child when the time comes for them to learn to write.

Coloring allows a child to explore shapes and colors which will promote shape and color recognition, and it will introduce younger children to new colors. Children will also have fun experimenting using different colors and seeing how they change the appearance of a picture. Coloring books also offer scope for conversation which will aid in speech development with younger children, as well as identifying objects. Children that enjoy coloring from a young age may have more confidence when it comes to learning how to write, as they will have gained good control over a pencil. Coloring books also offer a starting point to introduce children to free drawing.

Completing and creating a picture gives a child a sense of accomplishment, which builds on their confidence and self esteem. Coloring books are inexpensive and they provide hours of fun and entertainment, it is a fun activity that children of all ages can enjoy, and it holds many educational benefits, without the child realizing that they are learning.

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