Why You'll See Coloring Pages in Our Classroom

And Why That Choice Is Intentional

Coloring pages can bring up strong opinions — especially in Montessori spaces where materials are chosen with care and purpose.

If you’ve noticed coloring pages in our classroom and wondered why, that’s a fair question.

Below are the reasons we do use coloring pages, followed by the reasons we don’t. Understanding both gives a clearer picture of how and why they belong here.

10 Reasons We Do Use Coloring Pages

1. Fine motor development

   Coloring supports hand strength and the transition from a whole-hand grasp to a three-finger pencil grip. More coloring often means more comfort, control, and endurance.

   

2. Extension of classroom studies

   Coloring can deepen learning — for example, Asian tigers during our study of Asia — by giving children another way to revisit ideas.

3. A bridge activity

   Coloring can serve as a regulating brain break between more cognitively demanding lessons.

4. Language and discussion

   Coloring often sparks thoughtful conversation: Is this a male or female cardinal? What colors would these feathers be?

5. Social proximity

   For naturally shy children, coloring can be a low-lift way to join peers and feel part of the group.

6. Gifting and generosity

   Children love creating something they can give to a friend or family member. Purpose matters.

7. Easy extensions

   After coloring a tiger, a child might cut it out for a notebook, write a story, or add a fact.

8. Home–school conversation starters

   I see you colored an elephant — are you learning about where elephants live?

9. A safe starting point for new students

   Coloring can feel familiar and grounding while children learn how to choose work independently.

10. Confidence-building

    Immediate, visible completion can be deeply satisfying and build confidence, especially early on.

    
    

5 Reasons We Don’t Use Coloring Pages

(In other words, these are not the reasons you’ll see them in our classroom.)

1. To fill shelves

   Every material has a purpose — often more than one, both direct and indirect.

2. To limit creativity

   Strong hands and skill with tools support creative expression rather than restricting it.

3. Because we don’t believe children can draw independently

   Quite the opposite. Children often move from coloring to drawing their own detailed images — frequently with stories to match.

4. To prove learning with a paper going home

   Much of Montessori learning is done, repeated, refined, and put away. We’re lucky if we capture it in a photo.

   

5. Because of lack of planning

   We plan carefully — and we stay responsive. If children’s interests or real-life moments lead us somewhere meaningful, we follow.

   
   

A Final Thought

Like everything in Montessori, context matters.

Coloring pages are one small, intentional piece of a carefully prepared environment designed to support the whole child — cognitively, socially, emotionally, and practically.

Curiosity and conversation are always welcome.

Virginia Lozuke

Montessori Educator & Head of School

Montessori Farm School