Coloring and coloring books have a colorful history. Some people may think of coloring as an activity for little kids, but that wasn't always the case. And it's no longer the case today. In recent years, clubs have sprung up in schools and public libraries. They offer the creative and calming benefits of coloring to artists of any age and ability. Even experts say coloring is good for us.
A Colorful History
Some 400 years ago, it became fashionable in British society to use watercolors to paint maps. People wanted to develop their artistic skills. Then books were published with drawings of flowers, animals, and nature scenes ready to be painted.
A new way of printing helped make coloring books more available. By the mid-1800s, printing pictures became easier and cheaper. Illustrated texts were now more affordable for children to have. In 1879, a publishing company produced the "Little Folks" Painting Book. It had poems and pictures. Considered one of the first coloring books, it was very popular, and other companies copied the idea. Then in 1902, Crayola® crayons were invented. Now kids had that remarkable tool to color with.
Coloring Books Grow Up
Since then, coloring books have been used for many purposes. And they're certainly not just for little kids anymore. Companies publish them to appeal to young fans of cartoon characters and superheroes. They are also used to promote toys and other products. For older students, educational publishers design coloring books for use as teaching tools. For example, coloring a diagram of the body can help students learn about it. Coloring books for adults are their own category. Many have very detailed patterns. They require fine point pens or sharp colored pencils.
Coloring seems to benefit those who do it. WebMD is a website with health information. It reports that coloring: (1) relaxes the brain and slows down the heart; (2) improves concentration; (3) reduces stress; and (4) improves sleep, especially when done right before bed.
Coloring can even help people who struggle to put down their phones. That's the opinion of mental health experts. Long-time teacher and coloring fan Jennifer Sutherland, agrees. She says coloring allows some time away from technology.
More people seem to want a break from the fast pace of daily life. That's why public libraries are holding coloring nights for kids and families. Some high schools are setting up coloring centers with all the supplies. They let students and teachers set aside their cares for a few minutes of creativity.
"It's really nice to think that something that is just pen and paper…is so appealing," Emma Farrarons told The Cut. She is the author of The Mindfulness Coloring Book series. "I think that might be it. We're going back to basics."
Think about and discuss these questions:
Think of the different reasons people have used coloring books. What reason did you find the most interesting, and why?
Based on what you know, why might coloring be more relaxing than using a phone?
Question 8
8 / 8
Which of these is an opinion?
People who color can improve their concentration.
Time spent coloring can slow down the heart.
Coloring before bed is linked to better sleep.
Coloring is only for people who have artistic skills.
1 answer
The statement that is an opinion is:
"Coloring is only for people who have artistic skills."
This is an opinion because it reflects a personal belief about coloring rather than a factual statement supported by evidence. The other statements are based on observations or findings related to the benefits of coloring.
