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Outside the Lines
Should You Avoid
Coloring Books? By Lisa A. Goldstein
Coloring Books?
Many people consider coloring books a staple of childhood. The reality is they're not a part of everyone's childhood, nor should they be. Depending on who you talk to, there may be some positive things about coloring books, but the unanimous consensus by educators is that coloring books should be avoided.
Don't bother worrying about whether to encourage your toddler to color inside the lines or what motor skills coloring books help develop. The real question to ask is why coloring books are disliked by many, and how you can really encourage your toddler's creativity.
Indeed, a child's imagination is never developed in a coloring book and can be stifled by negative feedback because they couldn't keep the colors inside the line or they used the "wrong" color, says Ellen Steinfeld, an artist in Buffalo, N.Y., with a Master's in Art Education. Kids usually do more interesting work if they're encouraged to avoid sticking to preconceived ideas about what is beautiful or correct.
"Coloring books are often kids' first experience with anything resembling art," Steinfeld says. "They are presented as art projects, but in fact, they are the worst possible introduction to art. If you want to teach a child manual dexterity and good gripping techniques, it's easy enough to have them practice lettering or putting models or other things together. Don't confuse it with teaching them anything about art or creative expression."
