[Magic Sue]

Originally Posted by Ruthierhyme

Hi, it's about balance, recognising what the word template, colouring picture means and how this is understood in your setting. Play is freely chosen providing resources that reflect this and adults that know about child led & initiated activities supports everyone's development & learning.

When you find an activity that uses a template or is a colouring picture look at what attracted you to it. Was it the potential for gluing, using mark making tools, scissors, colours, shows lights, cloaks, symbols, does it invite getting out materials of a particular texture, shape, was it a postive image that you felt promotes the festival/celebration/focus? Most images or printables can be used to add paper and paperfree activities or information to areas of play. Evaluating what you come across is an excellent way to identify the resources needed to take part and to extend your own knowledge & understanding of the learning involved.

When this happens take the sheet & idea in to your group/a meeting/feedback system, explain why you like it, what relevant information you feel it contains and ask how it can be opened up, broadened to plan your setting's environment for play.

Colouring pictures are disliked by the historical way they've been presented to children, they hold as much value as they've always held, they just need to be used appropriately.

Very best wishes with the search xx

Thank you for your helpful and valuable feedback x