Imagine this: 90% of your art students are working hard on the current project, but you have a small 10% who are finished. The early finishers are staring at you and saying the line we hear all too often, “I’m done! What can I do now?” It’s probably not that hard to imagine, because it’s SUPER common. Of course, we encourage those students to check over their work, offer constructive criticism, and work on any missing work with their free time. But then what?
The solution: a collaborative coloring poster displayed
Inspired by the hive mind of art teachers, I set out to create a space in my room for early finishers or students who really just need a break from the work they are currently doing (whether it’s due to a moment of frustration or drying paint). The space featured collaborative coloring posters for students to work on during set times.
The image above was my first “go” at at a space like this. I ordered this large coloring poster of an Elephant from Amazon. I soon realized it was a HUGE HIT. Students loved it and I really loved seeing the collaborative work come together over the school year.
Since then, I’ve created a few of my own original posters that are more specific and themed to the art room visually. The two posters feature the words: the coloring corner and the zen zone. These posters are free, high resolution and can be printed large to fit your space. I personally printed mine on 24″ x 30″ paper at a local print shop. I printed it black and white on poster paper and it was very reasonable.
How did I manage this space?
Students had to ask before going to the “Zen Zone” and if they were granted permission, they were given a bucket of colored markers (the amazon brand below is definitely a money saver!). I had a few rules for my Zen Zone:
- No scribbling, only patient coloring
- Only 4 students at a time
- Fill the sections entirely!
Free posters designed by me for you to download. Enjoy!
If you use these posters, I’d love to hear from you and feel free to send me a picture of your space! My email is makeamarkstudios@gmail.com or you can tag me on Instagram @makeamark_studios. Thanks and I hope you enjoy!
-Stephanie Villiotis