Preschoolers can make their own lines in preschool

by Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed. 
Let your preschoolers make their own lines to color inside!

Start by giving a child a piece of paper and some crayons….

Then invite the child to draw some lines….

And some shapes…..

And then invite the child to color inside the shapes!

Often times, I have folks that seem terribly concerned if their child can color inside the lines but keep in mind that what matters most isn’t whether a child can color inside the lines but instead what matters most is the child’s investment and interest in the drawing or coloring process…

Keep the coloring process creative, inviting, open ended, and age appropriate. The development of fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination through open ended drawing and coloring opportunities as well as a variety of play opportunities will lead to the ability to color within the lines but coloring within the lines will not lead towards creative expression, imagination, and the ability to think outside of the lines!