A few years ago when I was spending my days teaching children with emotional disabilities in a self contained K-4 classroom, you’d notice one common theme across my classroom: COLORING. I feel like this is commonly what outsiders think happens all day in a special education classroom, and in my room, they would be correct!
But hear me out – coloring can be super powerful. Of course depending on student profiles (can they multitask? are they avoiding academic work by coloring?), there may need to be some boundaries created around this coping skill.
The research
Dr. Scott Bea (PsyD) is a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic and has done research on the why and how of coloring and our brains. His research cites 3 reasons why coloring can be calming:
1.) Attention flows away from ourselves (we focus less on the stressor!)
2.) It relaxes the brain
3.) Low stakes makes it more enjoyable
I incorporate coloring in many of my lessons and products as it’s an effective coping skill for lots of students. Do your students enjoy the therapeutic benefits of coloring? I have had students over the years who love it, and some who avoid it at all costs. I try to give opportunities for coloring and art related activities frequently as for many kids, it’s calming, and for others, it’s a new experience to try and stretches their brain!
Ways to incorporate coloring
Every day when students entered my classroom, they engaged in Morning Choices. One of the options was always art, where students could color or draw. This ease into the day with a low-stakes, choice based activity time was perfect for my students.
My students always had the opportunity to color while listening and working on academics. This was a personal choice of mine, and the benefits of allowing them to do this outweighed me having to occasionally repeat myself due to some distraction. After consulting with the other members of our team, we determined this was a great fit for my students. For many of my students, anxiety and stress were consistently bubbling at the surface. Having a reliable, comforting, and stress-relieving activity they could rely on at any moment was super helpful and regulating for them. This will vary between students and classrooms – do what works best for YOUR students and YOUR classroom design. Don’t forget to chat with your team!
Transition times have always been tough in classrooms. They can take way longer than we want and contribute to a ton of lost time! Having coloring journals like these ready on student desks after a transition from recess or these math affirmation journals waiting for them before the math lesson can reorient students to the next task and get them ready for what’s coming.
Don’t forget to check out the free resource library where there’s mindful coloring activities included!
