My kids must have a hundred coloring books laying around that they never pay attention to. I bought a special coloring book, one I liked, and told them it is mine. In the evening before bed, we will color one page in it together. I am going to see if this reignites their interest in coloring and books. If not, I am moving on to a sketch pad and a few colored pencils, etc.
I want them to appreciate what they have so having a hundred of something laying around just wont work. I also like to find ways to make them more happy. It is kind of fun to get into their minds and see how they think!
At my son's daycare, they noticed that when they gave the kids a whole coloring book, they would color a little bit on lots of different pages, and then when someone got the book out again, they would not want to color in it because the pages were already used.
The adults started taking out pages and just giving the kids the individual sheets. They focus on just one picture, and the rest of the book does not go to waste.
I tried this at home with my little guy - and it works! He notices more of the details in the one picture we are working on, and the rest of the book is safe until another day.
Another bonus -the pages are already taken out and ready for me to hang when he is finished coloring them!
I have always had several small children of approximately the same age to "entertain" for several hours during the day. It seems that everyone wants to color the same "page" in selected coloring books.
Of course it is too much to try to have several of the same book and if children are given the complete book they tend to just skip around and not complete any one page. I pick out certain pages and just make copies with my scanner/computer and then give them all the same picture to complete. This has worked out really well and is cheaper than constantly buying new books.
We then find a place to display the completed pictures for everyone to admire. You can always find something good in every picture.
When I take coloring books and crayons in the car, I use an old baby wipe container with a snap lid. The kids can open it by themselves and they aren't spilling them in the car thus no lost crayons and they are responsible for their items.
Put a coloring page, clip art, etc. in a large Ziploc bag and let the children trace these with wipe-off markers. The same page can be used over and over.
Also, have children stand on either side of sliding glass door and trace each other's features with wipe-off marker - also add features like glasses, earrings, etc.
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Saving Money on Kids Coloring Books