Tip 76 – Teach your child how to color in the lines in a new and creative way.

If by chance you thought making your own “follow-the-dots” was great, try this! Make your own “color-by-number” design.

Solution!

Just as you did by following Tip 75, you can make one of these on your own too… and at just the right level for your child.

You can start with a simple drawing that has only two sections to it and gradually expand to a more complicated design with three, four, five, six, seven, or eight parts.

Place a number in each section of your drawing. Assign a color for each number you put on your design. Then write a key for your child to follow. If you don’t want to write the color word, you can also put colored lines in your numbered key. Your child can do this activity all by him or herself, or you can take turns coloring by number.

Fun Extension!

Make this into a detective-type activity. You can ask your child to find all the 1’s, 2’s, etc. As in other coloring activities, it is appropriate to emphasize coloring in as much of each whole space as possible.

Parenting Insight…

Eye-hand coordination continues. As you look on, remember that coloring skills improve over time. It is also appropriate to expect different levels of coloring expertise from different children.

*Adapted from Make Your Own Preschool Games: A Personalized Play and Learn Program by Sally Goldberg, p. 174 – 175.

June! Month of the Dads

Dad, one of the best things to do with your child is what you remember liking your dad doing with you. Here’s another way to look at it. One of the best things to say to your child is what you liked your dad saying to you. And for a third alternative, do with your child and say to your child some of the other things you wish your dad had done with or said to you.

Any way you decide to express your love is just the right way!

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