What is your philosophy regarding coloring sheets in a preschool classroom?

[Amber]

If anyone knows of websites or other resources that discuss this topic I would love to check them out. Thanks!

[Canadian Bacon]

Kids love colouring.

Preschools have an abundance of kids.

Therefore: Preschools should have colouring.

Case closed? lol

[chickadee]

It is true, young children love to color, draw even use markers to make marks mimicking what they see the adults around them doing with pen and paper.

However, pre-printed coloring books may not be a wise decision for these still developing minds. I have listed the NAEYC website below. I went there and did a search on 'staying in the lines' first,then 'coloring books'.
For the search on 'coloring books', it is number 3 that I chose to refer to your question.

You might find these articles or research findings interesting in making your own opinion.

With my own experience, I believe that giving the pre-schoolers a place that they can color and some safe coloring tools that are non-toxic ect...The more empty light colored space they can fill with all of the colors at their disposal and textures can be the best fun ever.

My now 10yr old, came home from his 3yr old pre-school class one Friday and had a note from his teacher with a stack of 5 pre-printed colored pages. The noted stated that he needed to work on staying in the lines and his weekend should be spent practicing how to color better and to send these things back on Monday.
Being an educator myself, I downloaded some articles from NAYEC and sent some blank paper back with a note of my own.

Basically, at this young age the lines are not their friends and they shouldn't have to see or be subject to them for a while.
Just let them explore.
I have a 2yr old now and he loves to color and draw with his crayons, on blank paper. He creates his own pictures and it is fun. I think it encourages language and stimulates imagination.

Good luck.
Sorry so long, but I am passionate about teaching, even though I am at home for the moment.