Colour Series – Part 3
Colour Series – Part 3
Colour Importance in Early Learning – Behavioural
Colour can impact our lives from the decisions we make to the way we feel. Children are more likely to feel the effects of colour during their early years as they begin to explore their surrounding environment. Children also react to colour on a physical level and each colour depending on the intensity, can impact an individual’s mood, emotional wellbeing, productivity, learning and behaviour as the wavelength and energy of colours vary.
Colourful and bright play spaces can be a great way for children to identify colour. It can be great for early learners who require a little more excitement throughout their play. However, it can also have a negative impact on children who are easily stimulated by colour. Therefore, thinking carefully about the colours used in each play space is extremely crucial. Large objects such as slides and climbing units can be used to bring a calming feel while more colour in the play subject surrounding them, giving each child a purpose and play unit specifically for their needs.
Children who are sensitive towards colour or struggle with their vision may find some play spaces overstimulating. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), can become stressed, overwhelmed and experience overstimulation through extreme sensitivity to the sensory stimulation of sound, light and colour. Choosing the right colour is not only important but it is crucial for creating an environment that is well suited for all children and adults alike. The most widely used colour for patients with ADHD is Blue. This colour places the mind in a state of calm and tranquillity, relieving nervous tension, stress and anxiety, allowing an individual with ADHD to concentrate and feel calm in their surrounding environment.
Depending on the intensity of the colour in the surrounding space, these extreme sensory sensitivities can result in behavioural issues in children, as an increase in blood pressure levels can be contributed by colour. An example of this is the colour pink - one shade of pink can be calming, and another can be stimulating, especially if closely related to the colour red. To stimulate a cool and relaxing environment – blue is widely known for its general calming and relaxing effects however if overused, it can create feelings of sorrow. Correctly used blue can help a child feel safe, calm, and learn in their own creative way, while not being distracted by other colours around them.
A playground should be a safe and happy environment for children no matter their learning abilities or what colours stimulate or overstimulate them. Therefore, it’s important to get the right balance of colour throughout the space. Not enough colour or overuse of a certain colour can bring down the mood or stimulate a child and enhance behavioural issues. The image above shows a playground designed for all children to have their own areas of interest. Lots of colour to help stimulate and excite some children and areas of bold blues to create calming and neutralising corners for other children who experience overstimulation from strong colours. An environment suited for children to self-regulate and develop milestones required for further learning and contribute to building confidence in every child.
