As a parent, I've always been on the lookout for activities that not only keep my kids entertained but also contribute to their development. One activity that may seem simple on the surface, but offers incredible benefits, is colouring. While it might be tempting to associate colouring with younger children, it's an engaging and valuable pastime for middle grade kids (ages 8-12) as well.
In this post, I’ll explain why I encourage my middle grade kids to colour in, highlighting its surprising cognitive and emotional benefits. Plus, if you’re looking to get your kids started, be sure to check out the free colouring resources available on my site, designed especially for young readers with creative minds.
1. Encouraging Creativity and Imagination
Middle grade kids are at an age where their imagination is thriving. Fantasy worlds, magical creatures, and vibrant stories fill their minds. Colouring provides them with the perfect medium to bring these mental images to life. When my kids sit down to colour, they’re not just filling in shapes, they’re exploring how different colours work together, experimenting with combinations, and making creative decisions.
Encouraging kids to colour is like handing them a tool to visually express the worlds they dream about. Whether they’re filling in a dragon’s wings or deciding on the hues of a magical forest, colouring gives them the freedom to bring their fantasies to the page.
2. Building Focus and Patience
In a world where distractions are constant, especially for kids, colouring provides a rare opportunity to slow down and focus. Middle grade kids are naturally curious and energetic, often moving from one activity to the next without a second thought. Colouring, however, encourages them to stick with one task for an extended period.
I’ve noticed that when my kids are colouring, they enter a state of calm concentration. It takes time, precision, and attention to detail to colour within the lines or complete a large, intricate image. By fostering patience and focus, colouring helps them learn the value of perseverance, skills that can carry over into their schoolwork and other responsibilities.
3. Promoting Emotional Expression and Stress Relief
Though middle grade kids are often seen as carefree, they’re navigating some pretty big emotions, peer pressure, academic challenges, and the ups and downs of friendships. Colouring offers them an outlet to express emotions they might not have the words for.
Certain colours can evoke different feelings, and as kids choose the shades they want to work with, they’re subconsciously processing their emotions. I’ve found that when my children are anxious or upset, colouring helps them calm down and refocus their energy. The repetitive motions, combined with the creative process, can be surprisingly therapeutic. It’s a quiet way for kids to express what they’re feeling without the need for conversations they might not be ready to have.
4. Boosting Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
At this stage in their development, middle grade kids are refining their motor skills, and colouring is an excellent way to support this process. While it might seem like a leisurely activity, it’s actually helping them fine-tune their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
By controlling how hard they press with their pencils, deciding when to switch colours, or navigating tight spaces in a complex design, kids develop their motor control. This can help with everything from handwriting to sports. The more they colour, the more precise and confident their movements become.
5. A Screen-Free, Mindful Activity
In today’s digital age, finding screen-free activities that captivate middle grade kids can feel like a challenge. Between video games, social media, and schoolwork on the computer, their eyes are often glued to screens. Colouring provides a much-needed break from the digital world.
What I love about colouring is its mindfulness aspect. It’s a tactile, low-tech activity that gives their eyes, and minds, a rest from the constant barrage of information. Colouring can be done almost anywhere, whether they’re relaxing in the living room or enjoying some quiet time before bed. It’s one of the few activities where they can slow down, unplug, and simply enjoy the moment.
6. Inspiring Confidence Through Completed Work
There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing a colouring page. For middle grade kids, completing an intricate design instills a sense of accomplishment. They can look back at their work and feel proud of what they’ve created. That feeling of achievement is a great confidence booster, especially during an age when kids are developing their sense of identity and self-worth.
When my children complete a colouring page, I always encourage them to show it off, to their friends, grandparents, or even hang it up in their room. It’s a reminder that their effort and creativity are valued, and it gives them a sense of pride in their work.
7. It’s Fun for the Whole Family
One of the best things about colouring is that it’s not just for kids. It’s an activity that we can all enjoy together as a family. I’ve often found myself sitting down to colour alongside my children, and it’s been a great way to bond without the pressure of conversation. It allows us to share a quiet, creative moment, and it’s something we can all take part in, no matter our age.
Ready to Get Started? Free Colouring Resources Are Here!
If you're looking to encourage your middle grade kids to colour in, I've got you covered. On my site, you’ll find free downloadable and printable colouring pages featuring characters and scenes from my middle grade fantasy books. These pages are designed to spark creativity and give kids the chance to dive deeper into the world of the stories they love. Plus, it's a great way to keep them engaged without the need for screens or expensive materials.
Let your kids' imagination take flight, help them unwind, and give them a creative outlet by encouraging them to colour. Download the free colouring pages now and watch as they discover the joy of filling the pages with their unique touch.
Encouraging your middle grade kids to colour isn’t just about keeping them busy, it’s about fostering creativity, focus, and emotional well-being. So grab some coloured pencils, print out those pages, and let the colouring begin!