Coloring for kids: play or powerful tool?

[jinwatkins]

I used to think coloring was just a distraction, but I’ve come to see it as something much richer. When used consistently, it supports fine motor development, pattern recognition, and builds patience. A site I often use for my students is coloring pages. The content there goes beyond simple drawings — it includes themed sets like animals, numbers, letters, even holidays. I rotate pages weekly to keep things fresh and aligned with what we’re learning. It's a smart, low-effort way to support early development.