Colour resonates with people in different ways. We all have a favourite colour or colours that we use more during specific periods in life. Is it possible that our brain processes different colours in different ways which then impact our feelings and our ability to create? In fall we are surrounded by colour and as such what better time to explore them.
Far back in history people have explored colour and its healing capabilities. For example; Yellow is considered the happiest colour in the world because our brain associates it to the positive effects of sunlight. As a teacher I have often used different colour mediums to help children in many ways.
To smooth transitions in class when children experienced separation anxiety from parents, I provided them with paints in primary colours including yellow. (Note: Having the parent stay initially with their child at the art activity greatly helps lower the child’s stress level and gives the child an adjustment time to integrate for the rest of the day).
During my art therapy class, we learnt about how colours reveal emotions, communicate personal experiences and affect a person’s mood.
I often asked the children to “Picture their emotions or what their anger looks like,” and then draw or colour a picture. Drawing and colouring also help kids focus their attention and calm them down. Trace children's hand and try this hand art or use the following Free Activities colouring pages below.
Colourful sensorial art mediums such as playdough provide children who have difficulty self-regulating, a means to cope and relieve strong emotions and feelings. Remind children who hit that “It is okay to use hands on playdough but not on someone else.”
My favourite Fall story by the Vancouver Coast Region is The Evergreens (Also called, Why the Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves), adapted from Florence Holbrook’s Book of Nature Myths.
It is a wonderful story that allows children to emotionally connect to a little bird with a broken wing who goes from tree to tree seeking help. The deciduous trees do not help and Jack Frost decides to teach them a lesson by only touching them with frost and not the evergreen trees who helped shelter the bird.
Please also check my previous blogs for more Children's Books and Activities and Free Worksheets.