The Benefits of Colouring Books

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Colouring books are one of the educational tools readily available today. They come in many different themes and styles to attract children of all ages. There are colouring books pages available online as well as in all bookshops. Some are simple and others are elaborate stories unfolding throughout the book.
So what are the benefits of your child spending time colouring in outlines of pictures created by someone else? Does this benefit them in any way?
Here are some benefits kids get from colouring:

• Increases concentration. Colouring requires good concentration and this type of focusing on one task can help a child develop her overall concentration levels. This is a skill that many children find difficult to master, although essential for later schooling.
  



• Aids fine motor skills. Colouring helps young children with their coordination and the use of pens and pencils. Trying to stay inside the lines takes considerable skill and when they master it they gain a sense of accomplishment.
  



• Encourages colour awareness. Using different colours gives children a chance to explore different combinations and lets them see how they can change the appearance of the picture. It is great also for gaining awareness of the lesser known colours. If they are using paints they can combine different primary colours to make a new colour.
  



• Stimulates creative thinking. There is scope for creativity during colouring. The child can develop a drawing style and enjoy making an imaginary world from her work before she is ready to actually draw full pictures on her own. This will encourage her to continue this type of creative play and give her a sense of accomplishment.
  

This is where colouring is most useful. We need to give young children every opportunity to gain self confidence and a sense of self worth. If they can create something that is aesthetically pleasing, then this will help in the positive development of their personality.
Older children may become bored with colouring and prefer to draw freely on their own. This is a natural progression and one to be welcomed. Nevertheless, colouring does have a place in child development and can easily be incorporated into a child’s day.