Small Coloring

Small coloring is an excellent way for children to improve fine motor strength and endurance. Fine motor strength is an important building block for handwriting as well as functional/everyday tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or zipping up a jacket. Small coloring is one of many activities aiding in the development of the small muscles in a child's hand.

Children who demonstrate a poor or weak pencil grasp should try coloring pictures placed on a vertical surface (taped to the wall, on a slant board) and use small/short crayons. Coloring on a vertical surface strengthens a child's arm, positions the wrist in the appropriate position, and improves shoulder stability. Using smaller crayons to color naturally places a child's hand in the correct grasp, facilitating the development of a functional grasp for writing. In addition, coloring while laying on your stomach is a great way to strengthen core muscles, improving postural strength and control.

Two of my favorite sites for free printable coloring pages:

• http://www.doverpublications.com/zb/samples/480356/children72b.htm

• http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/