Coloring and letting off steam
How to bring to coloring a side of play, release and let go? This activity can be as much a moment of relaxation as a moment of fun and laughter. You just have to bring the activity differently and we could be surprised of all that it will bring us.
In fact, when we see that the child is experiencing a day rich in emotion, it can be interesting to use coloring as a tool to release the overflow of emotion on the blank sheet. This is what the rest of the article will be about. We'll look at what to use, how to prepare the activity, how to return the activity and some of the benefits that the child will get from it.
Let's get started...
To set up the release activity that I like to call "The Emotional Wave Game", we need very little material. All we need is a large blank sheet, pencils and music.
How to do the activity
What I like most about this activity is that it is simple, quick and effective. We put the sheet of paper on a table at the child's height without a chair so that they can move easily. Then we provide them with 4 to 5 markers and we choose a song with a changing rhythm (a bit like Let It Go from Frozen).
Then all that is left to do is explain the game to the child and begin. The goal is to turn up the volume so that the child colors quickly and when the volume goes down he colors more and more slowly. We make this change several times during the song so that the child finds a place to enjoy and let off steam.
How to make a return to calm after the activity
After an activity like this, the child may be energized. We can invite them to take their drawing and make up a story with it or if they are older we can ask them how they felt during the activity, why they chose a certain color.
The second option is to have a quiet time by reading a quiet story. We can read a story about emotions to show the child that it is okay to have big days with many different emotions.
What the child will get out of it
The child gets several things out of this activity. In addition to developing gross and fine motor skills, their emotional and social sides are greatly supported. They will be able to develop another way to express their emotions in a safe environment and with someone they love. Their language will be supported when you discuss Their drawing together and he will learn to assert themself and their self-esteem will be strengthened.
You can also do this activity together as a couple to foster your bond and develop a trusting relationship. Moreover, there is nothing better than to try it yourself to feel the benefits.
On your pencils, get set, go!