There’s a NEW! feature in our Library Media Center Makerspace area!
It’s Coloring!
I have to admit when I first heard about how coloring books for adults and teens are 
all the rage, I was a bit skeptical. Then I saw the beautiful new coloring books with loopy, fabulous, mesmerizing line drawings and I was sold! I also just like the smell of a new box of Crayons!
I then did some research on the Zen of Coloring and found out that teens find coloring very relaxing, meditative, and stress relieving – perfect for middle school! I also think in this world of multi-tasking, coloring keeps our hands busy and let’s our mind wander free- it’s also related to another hot topic mindfulness. I know that when I’m in a group setting without technology, say a staff-meeting, a conference, or a lecture, I find myself doodling and making line drawings.
So, I got permission from our principal Mr. Wasileswski and bought a variety of coloring books, a huge box of Crayons, and a passel of colored pencils. I tried to get a good mix of coloring books – for boys, girls, grownups, and also appealing to the rich multi-cultural tapestry and different interests that make up our student body.
Star Wars, Minecraft, Dragons, Ocean, Hispanic & Celtic heritage, Indian Mehndi henna designs, Afro and Luv My Curly Hair designs… a cornucopia of creative coloring books! See?
After a few weeks, I did find that we had to have some guidelines for the coloring corner – I don’t like to call them rules! (Teachers & School Librarians: You may want to read the more “How To” blog post here on my professional blog)
Some of the guidelines are: claiming a page, sharing a page, giving us permission to Instagram or blog about the artwork & most important – not tearing out the pages. Because there are designs on the other side of the page and that would just wasteful and not fair.
Download the High Rez or poster version of this for your class or Makerspace. Click to see all sizes! All Creative Commons, Take, Use, Share!
Coloring Bookmarks!
Want some FREE Coloring Sheets to Download? We’ve got you covered!
From the website:
As seen above – used with permission from Dawn Nicole
Don’t believe coloring can be good for you?
Here’s some of the cool research I found!
“There are plenty of studies on the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing stress, and coloring seems to 
offer some similar benefits, as William Brennan wrote in this magazine when he noted the coloring books’ particular popularity in France. And doodling is a way for people to organize their thoughts, and focus. Coloring offers that relief and mindfulness without the paralysis that a blank page can cause.” – Julie Beck of The Atlantic
Coloring has also been used to “gently ease veterans suffering from PTSD into art therapy. (5)” One study on college students found that “coloring pre-drawn patterns significantly reduced signs of stress and depression. (6)” Coloring before bedtime can even help you sleep!” (7)
“One of the first psychologists to apply coloring as a relaxation technique was Carl G. Jüng in the early 20th century” reports the Huffington Post.
2D Mandala Flickr CC Computer by RunnerFrog
“Mandalas are concentric circle drawings that originated in India and mean “sacred circles” in Sanskrit. (10) Buddhist temples, Muslim mosques, and Christian cathedrals all incorporate mandalas into their architecture.” – Deane AlbanBy of BeBrainfit
Mandalas and similar circular or spiral designs are thousands of years old. Look around and notice how abundantly the circular pattern of the mandala appears in our environment. You can see this geometric shape in all aspects of life. The sun in the sky, the nucleus of the cells in the body, and the unique design of a snowflake.
Kids are loving the coloring! Boys, girls, and grown-ups!
Now it’s YOUR turn!
What do you think about coloring for teens and adults? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Zen and Anti stress | Coloring Pages for Adults
Anti-Stress Coloring Books for Adults: The Latest Way to Relax
Mindfulness and the Popularity of Adult Coloring Books
How Colouring Books Are Helping Adults Beat Stress
