Distance Learning Math Resources: Include Those Color by Number Activities

Color by number math activities and distance learning? You bet!

Digital color by numbers? Nope, not for me:-) I like the paper and pencil!

A Little Distance Learning History
As we know, distance learning and digital learning are not synonymous. Distance learning has existed for a looonng time. Early on, it was called 'correspondence education' or 'correspondence learning.' Students received assignments in the mail, completed them, and mailed their work back to their educational institution. 

A few examples of early distance learning include:

• The University of London offered degrees via distance learning, starting in 1858.
• The International Correspondence Schools, based in PA, was founded in 1888 and provided training for immigrant coal miners who wanted to become mine inspectors or foremen.
• Radio and television eventually provided universities with the ability to broadcast information to students, with Pennsylvania State College broadcasting live radio courses in the 1920s.

​Check out this infographic for more detail about distance learning history.

Distance Learning Doesn't Have to Mean Digital Learning
Why consider this history? With schools moving to distance learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I think it's important to remember that even though we have the technology to provide digital learning experiences, distance learning doesn't have to mean just digital learning. Paper and pencil activities have their place in distance learning; in some cases, such activities can provide greater benefits than digital activities.

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​Color by Number Activities Help Children (and Adults)
Why are color by number activities an important part of the current distance learning needs? Because of the many benefits coloring provides!

During this difficult time, the benefits of coloring are so helpful to our students and our own children (and to us). Here are just a few: 

• Coloring reduces stress: this pandemic and the changes in their education, routines, LIFE, can certainly create stress for our children. Color by number activities provide not just the math practice they need (or other content practice), but also stress reduction.
• Coloring stimulates creativity! When you're coloring, your mind is focused on the coloring movement, but it can wander, allowing space for the mind to seek new ideas. This is a great time for kids to generate and explore new ideas.
• Coloring on paper gives the mind and eyes a break from working (or playing) on a screen.
• Coloring potentially helps improve sleep and attention span.​

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