Simple Drawing or Colouring
Offer drawing materials or a simple colouring sheet and sit alongside the person. The aim is not a finished piece of art. It is the experience of making marks, choosing colours and expressing something — however small — through a creative act.
Best Time
Any time of day. Works well during quieter periods or when the person needs a calm, absorbing activity.
Duration
15–30 minutes
Setting
Dining table, lounge or any comfortable seated space
What You'll Need
- Pencils, felt-tip pens or colouring pencils
- Plain paper or simple colouring sheets
- A table at a comfortable height
Preparation
- Choose colouring sheets with simple, clear outlines rather than very detailed patterns
- Ensure pencils are sharpened and easy to grip
- Have a few colour options available without overwhelming the person with choice
How to Do It
- 1Place the materials on the table and invite the person to join you
- 2Begin drawing or colouring yourself to make the activity feel natural
- 3Offer the person materials without pressure: 'Would you like to have a go?'
- 4Allow them to choose colours and approach the activity in their own way
- 5Comment gently on what they are doing without directing or correcting
- 6Sit with them throughout rather than leaving them alone
Adapt It
- For someone with limited dexterity: use chunky pencils or felt-tip pens that are easier to hold
- For someone with limited vision: use high-contrast materials and bold outlines
- For someone who feels self-conscious: frame the activity as something you are doing together rather than something they are doing alone
- For someone who is very engaged: offer more materials or a larger sheet of paper
What to Notice
Observe verbal and non-verbal responses — attention, movement, conversation, recognition, relaxation, curiosity, withdrawal, choice, initiation or other individual responses.
- Does the person engage with the materials?
- Do they make deliberate choices — selecting colours, deciding where to draw?
- Do they seem absorbed, calm or pleased with what they are making?
- Do they talk about what they are drawing or colouring?
- Do they seem more settled or more energised after the activity?
PMEE Reflection
These questions are not about scoring whether the activity was successful. They are about noticing and retaining what you observed about this person's individual response.
- 1What seemed to matter to this person?
- 2What response did I notice?
- 3What could I remember and use next time?
Avoid assuming that smiling, participating or completing an activity automatically means it was meaningful. Equally, do not assume that someone who cannot actively participate has not engaged with the experience.