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by Kevin Stuckey, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Children, like adults, are very aware of color. Psychological studies suggest that color
can influence mood and behavior, stimulate the brain and body, and even affect
children’s health. Likewise, scientific studies have also determined that exposure
to certain colors can improve sleep habits, increase memory power, and enhance
academic performance. Color psychologists have linked color to brain development,
decreased absenteeism, enhanced productivity, and the transition from childhood to
adulthood.
Color Effects
Warm Colors: In general, warm colors elicit happiness and comfort. Bold shades of red, orange, and
yellow can stimulate the mind and have an energizing effect on the body.
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Red – The color of passion and strong feelings, red excites and energizes the body by increasing
heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Red, used in combination with other colors in
classrooms, can help in detail-oriented or repetitive tasks.
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Pink - Evoking empathy and femininity, pink creates a calming atmosphere and lowers heart rate.
However, despite an initial calming effect, too much pink can lead to agitation and anxiety.
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Yellow - Bright and cheery, yellow is associated with happiness and motivation. Soft, subtle
yellows promote concentration, while brighter shades stimulate memory and increase metabolism.
However, too much yellow can evoke feelings of stress, anger, and frustration.
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Orange - Friendly and welcoming, orange has a distinctly social nature. It inspires interpersonal
communication and puts people at ease. Orange also enhances critical thinking and memory.
Cool Colors: Cool colors have a calming effect.
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Blue – Colors of blue enhance creativity and produce a cool, relaxing environment. Blue calms the
mind and body, which lowers blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and decreases feelings of
anxiety and aggression. Children who have trouble sleeping, or are prone to tantrums and other
behavioral problems, may benefit from spending time in a blue environment. However, too much
blue can also depress or arouse feelings of sorrow.
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Purple - Ideal for kids as it is attention grabbing, purple is associated with wisdom and spirituality.
Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red, taking on the characteristics of either,
depending on the shade.
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Green - Green symbolizes nature and promotes a serene and calming environment. Associated with
health, healing, and well-being, green has a soothing effect on the body and mind by reducing
anxiety and promoting concentration. Exposure to shades of green may also increase reading
ability. One study discovered that by laying a transparent green sheet on top of text, students could
improve their reading speed and comprehension.
Colors in the Learning Environment
We usually think of using certain colors only to make a room appear larger
or smaller. Since classrooms are places of active learning, adding color to a
classroom can create an environment that stimulates learning, maximizes
information retention, and prevents anxiety. Research confirms that color
affects learning, communication, productivity, and emotions too. Color also
has both positive and negative impacts on children. Color selection can cause
children to become excitable and hyperactive or bored and uninterested.
Research shows that lighter colors, such as yellow and blue, elicit positive
feelings while darker colors such as deep blue, black, or gray create negative
emotions. In addition, the color red may increase anxiety in some children.
Large amounts of bright colors, especially reds and oranges, can cause
overstimulation of students. Brain research shows that using more than six colors in a classroom can
distract learners and may even have a negative impact on a learner’s cognitive ability. One exception to this
is with younger children who thrive in an environment filled with brightly colored walls, decorations, and
furniture.
Colors also help define specific learning areas of a room for particular activities. For example, blue chairs
in corner may define an area for reading and relaxation, while a red table may identify a free-play space.
Research also concludes that older students work better in rooms painted with lighter shades of blue and
green, which reduce stress and are less distracting than bold, primary colors.
Resources
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