Coloring Sheets in Early Childhood Education: Finding the Balance

Welcome to Coloring Sheets in Early Childhood Education: Finding the Balance. This professional development workshop is designed for early childhood educators who want to critically reflect on and thoughtfully approach the use of coloring sheets in their classrooms. Through engaging lessons and reflective prompts, participants will explore the developmental considerations, potential benefits, and common criticisms of coloring sheets, as well as how to integrate them intentionally and respectfully into early learning environments. The workshop covers key topics such as the role of process-based art, developmental readiness for fine motor tasks, self-regulation through art, and strategies for using coloring sheets in ways that align with open-ended learning. Educators will also discover creative alternatives that support children's agency, imagination, and sense of belonging. Participants will leave with practical ideas and insights to support balanced, inclusive, and child-centered approaches that align with the principles of the BC Early Learning Framework (2019). This workshop provides approximately one and a half hours of professional development.