Where Are My Coloring Sheets?
If you have ever taught a preschool class using LifeWay curriculum, there may be one question running through your mind.
So, where are the coloring sheets?
It's simple. Coloring sheets can stymie a child's creativity instead of encouraging exploration and self-expression. Some craft-type activities also discourage self-expression, creativity, and exploration, especially if the activity uses a pattern, and all children make something that looks the same.
Encourage Children to Explore
We suggest using art activities that encourage the child to explore and to express his creativity. The child should be able to choose how to use the art materials. Creative art materials are best focused on the "process" (discovery and exploration) instead of the end result. Children experience more satisfaction and sense of accomplishment when they participate in creative art activities. Bible concepts are reinforced through what the teachers say as the children work. The activity may not directly relate to the Bible story, but it will "connect" by providing an avenue for teachers to discuss the biblical truth for the session, the life impact, Bible verses and phrases, or the Bible story.
Allow for Differences in Development
It's Tough to "Stay Within the Lines." Coloring sheets can also be frustrating to some preschoolers. The emphasis is to "stay within the lines." Many preschoolers have not developed fine motor skills to the point where this task is easily accomplished. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction are undermined, the process is not fun, and children are not learning at their best because they may get frustrated or upset. As teachers talk about Bible concepts, children may not hear or learn much because of the "block" of this frustration. Creative art activities allow for differences in development and provide opportunities for all preschoolers to feel successful and challenged. As teachers talk about Bible concepts, children are open to teaching/learning because they are doing something they enjoy, having fun and are succeeding.
Avoid Cookie-Cutter Patterns
Patterns can be frustrating too. Preschoolers are forced to make something that represents someone else's idea of creativity, not their own. Their completed craft looks the same as every other child's. The focus is on the finished result, not the exploration of materials and expression. The activity in the curriculum materials focus more on the act of creating, not the resulting picture or product. Teachers can use the child's involvement in the activity as a teaching moment, directly relating biblical truths to what the child is doing, connecting the Bible to the child's life.
Make Suggestions That Teach
Preschoolers enjoy art experiences. By providing blank paper and crayons or other materials that they can use to express their own ideas, teachers give them an opportunity to create what is meaningful to them that day. Teachers also can "suggest" ideas that support the Bible truths for the session. You could suggest they draw a picture of ways they can help or a picture of something they remember about Jesus. If they choose to draw something else, that's okay. You can still use the creative experiences to teach Bible truths.
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