• There are numerous benefits to social, and emotional well-being. Boredom, stress, and unstructured environments can be triggers to cause anxiety. Taking the time to focus on an activity and complete it while coloring will help to alleviate these triggers.

• Coloring is a technique that should be used in all grade levels because there is research that shows that it helps us to retain information on a deeper level. Coloring activates both sides of the brain’s hemisphere to help us remember, concentrate, solve problems, and use our fine motor skills to fill in each section.

Unplug

• Unplugging can tap into different forms of creativity. While technology most definitely has its purpose in and out of the classroom, it doesn’t have to be the end-all, be-all in our teaching. Coloring in middle school can bring back nostalgic feelings for students, much like it does for us as adults, therefore, student engagement will be higher.

Positive mindset

• Promote that positive mindset. Everyone wants to change the way we think. Stop those negative thoughts and emotions and step up into a more positive, growth mindset. Coloring can help you do just that. Studies show that as we color, our thoughts change from negative to positive. So, if you are trying out the growth mindset with your students, try sprinkling in some coloring, when applicable.

Unlock creativity

•      ANYONE can do it. This is probably my favorite reason. I am not an artist but I do like painting and creating. My students aren’t always into taking the same risks. But, when given crayons, markers, or colored pencils, they can and will. It will seem so much easier to choose a color to use (especially if it is an activity where there is a color key) and complete the activity over having to draw it out. Students know they can color so they will and they will reap all of the above benefits. It’s a win-win situation for everyone! 
  
   

Microorganisms Review Activity