How to Help Your Child Color in the Lines of a Picture

Coloring is a wonderful activity for children. It not only let's their creative juices flow at an early age, it helps with coordination and motor development as well. There are some simple techniques you can do to help improve your child's attention to detail on their pictures. Your child will feel proud when you admire their completed work and hang it on your refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Coloring book
• Large sized Crayola crayons

Instructions

How to Help Your Child Color in the Lines of a Picture

1. Purchase a coloring book. Most stores carry them. Make sure the book is age appropriate for you child by looking at the age range noted on the book's cover. If your child is new to coloring or still developing the skill, you will want to choose a book containing simple pictures with less details.

2. Purchase large sized Crayola crayons. Bigger crayons are easier for your child to grasp and control.

3. Take a crayon and color a thin line just inside the borders of a picture. For younger children you may want to start with one picture (a big balloon for example) and one color. For older and more seasoned colorers the pictures can have more details and a variety of colors can be used. Outlining borders will help your child become aware of the boundaries of the picture.

4. Give your child the crayon or crayons you used to outline the picture along with the page you outlined. Point out the boundaries and encourage them to do their best and have fun.

5. Admire their picture when they finish coloring it. Remember to praise effort and not perfection.

6. Repeat this technique as long as it still helps your child. The more they practice the better they will become.