I’ve gotta admit — I LOVE to color! And I love to color in a book filled with all kinds of pictures where I can choose the colors and decorate any way I want to! I love how it all looks perfect when I’ve stayed inside the lines and that no one has to "guess" what the finished product is.
However, I also love to doodle and create my own masterpieces on a blank piece of paper, even though they don’t look as perfect as those other ones…and maybe I’m the only one who really knows what I’ve drawn. But I don’t care if they can see what I see — and I still feel good about my picture.
So, are coloring sheets good or bad? This seemingly innocent question can be a source of contention among teachers of young children. Sometimes, its just easier to pull out a coloring sheet with a biblical character from today’s lesson than to plan some elaborate craft that may or may not directly connect with the story. It’s definitely less messy and requires absolutely no planning. And, it does make a great time filler for those last five minutes of a session while you’re waiting on mom and dad.
On the other hand, what’s the life application of that coloring sheet? Will a child truly connect with the importance of a lesson on obedience and God’s promises just because he colored a picture of Noah? He can, but only if you take the time as a teacher to talk about his picture and who that man is with the beard.
So what’s your take on coloring sheets? Do you like the ease of them? Or, are you a "clean, white sheet of paper" kind of teacher? Can there be room for both? Chime in and let me know your thoughts!
