Mindful Coloring is an enjoyable activity that teachers can implement in the classroom to improve student engagement, mindfulness and focus. It can be done as an activity for the whole class, in centers, with small groups, or by an individual student. Mindful coloring is often thought of as a calming tool, but it also has numerous benefits for academic and social-emotional learning.
Benefits of Mindful Coloring
- Mindful Coloring for Processing Experiences - Mindful coloring can be done as a whole class activity alongside conversations about academic or social emotional topics. Classrooms tend to be fast-based and busy places, and mindful coloring opportunities can help students to slow down and take the time to think about and process the topics that are being discussed. This strategy would also work in small groups or in centers. Because mindful coloring is calming and provides a place to focus, it can also help students to listen and respond thoughtfully when working one on one with an adult.
- Mindful Coloring for ELL students - Mindful coloring can be beneficial to English Language Learners who are learning to communicate in a new language with teachers and peers. Encouraging students to have casual conversations while they are doing mindful coloring can help ELL students develop their vocabularies and become more confident as they practice speaking and listening.
- Mindful Coloring for Confidence - Mindful coloring benefits students by providing a creative outlet with a tangible physical reward at the end that no specific talent or skill are needed to create. Creating beautiful artwork helps to build confidence and gives students the opportunity to represent themselves in a unique way. This is beneficial for all students, but it can be especially beneficial for people who find it difficult to express themselves verbally or in writing.
Implementing Mindful Coloring
Implementing mindful coloring is easy because it only requires gathering coloring supplies, printing coloring sheets, and scheduling in time during the school day. Modeling the process and expectations with students before you begin will ensure that students know what mindful coloring should look like in your classroom and will set everyone up for a positive experience.
Click here for mindful coloring sheets that your students will love.
