Children take in everything they see and hear like a sponge. So bright colours are noticed by young children as they help a child distinguish form when looking at the world around them.
Colours are also very appealing to children, attracting their attention and creating a sense of wonder, and we see this daily atCounty Place Early Learning & Care Centre. Children begin to see colours by around the age of 5-months and the brighter the colours, the easier they are to see. And as we have come to learn, colours can affect mood, which also affects behaviour.
So how do bright colours influence a child’s development and how can that fact help with their growth?
What’s the Attraction to Bright Colours?
The brightest colours in the spectrum are those that are most attractive to children, like yellow, red, and blue, also known as the primary colours. Children also have an affinity for the secondary colours, which include green, purple, and orange, whereas the shades and pastel colours, such as brown or grey are less appealing. This is taken advantage of by marketing professionals who understand that children prefer the brightest colours when looking at toys and food packaging.
This colour preference in children is noticed at a very early age since their eyes are not fully matured and they see those colours better, and that preference carries through theirdevelopment. That’s because these colours are more stimulating as they are more noticeable, so children can better interact in a brightly coloured environment.
Bright colours are also a learning source for children as they achieve success and confidence from the ability to sort through colour patterns, as well as learn their basic names. After all, it’s much easier for children to consider something red rather than a pink object. It’s basic vocabulary that is easier to pronounce. Success breeds more learning and developmental growth.
Change the Colour and Change the Mood
Just as it is in the adult world, children can have their moods and behaviours altered with a simple change of colour. A bright yellow or orange space is a cheerful tone in the room, where red can instil alertness and excitability. Meanwhile, the cooler tones, like green or blue, can have a calming effect on children and adults alike.
These mood-enhancing colour choices are important in a child’s bedroom or a classroom. For better sleep, a green or blue room would be more beneficial than red. This is why at County Place Early Learning & Care Centre, we use bright colours appropriately to maintain a child’s interest and keep them engaged with the right behaviours. There are bright colours all around the daycare centre for children to learn from and interact with.
They can begin associating bright colours with certain objects or concepts. Children quickly understand, for example, that red is the colour of some foods, like apples, as well as fire, or anger.
Bright colours are useful in educating children and they are an important part of child development, which is why they are used so much in the County Place Early Learning & Care Centre.
