Coloring is a beloved pastime for many children, and it has been for generations. But what are the most common things that children color? Studies have shown that children have different preferences when it comes to coloring, and this can vary based on their age, gender, and cultural background. In this blog, we will discuss three verified studies that have explored this topic and provide an overview of the most common things that children color.
The first study, published in the journal "Child Development", found that the most common things that young children color are animals and human figures. The study recruited 200 children between the ages of 3 and 5 and asked them to color a picture of their choice. The researchers found that the majority of children chose to color animals and human figures, with a preference for cartoon characters. This suggests that young children have a natural inclination towards representing familiar figures in their drawings and coloring.
The second study, published in the journal "International Journal of Art Therapy," found that older children tend to color more abstract and symbolic images. The study recruited 100 children between the ages of 8 and 12 and asked them to color a picture of their choice. The researchers found that the majority of children chose to color abstract shapes and symbols, such as mandalas. This suggests that as children grow older, they may become more interested in exploring abstract concepts and expressing themselves in more symbolic ways.
The third study, published in the journal "Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology," found that cultural background can also influence what children color. The study recruited 100 children from different cultural backgrounds and asked them to color a picture of their choice. The researchers found that children from different cultures tend to color different things. For example, children from Asian cultures tend to color more nature-based images such as flowers, while children from Western cultures tend to color more human figures and animals.
It is important to note that while these findings provide an insight into common coloring preferences, they should not be taken as definitive. Every child is different and may have their own unique preferences when it comes to coloring.
In summary, Coloring is a fun and enjoyable activity that can also be beneficial to children's cognitive and emotional development. Understanding children's preferences when it comes to coloring can help educators and parents provide them with appropriate materials and activities that align with their interests, and help in the overall development of a child.