(ARA) - As the cold weather approaches, kids spend less time outdoors burning off all that wonderful energy. The change in weather also means that everyone - including you - spends more time indoors. Don't worry. There's an easy and inexpensive way to turn any room into an environment that fosters your child's learning and creativity. What's even better: You are very likely to think, "it's too quiet in there," while the kids play intently in their new space.
"Teachers know what the research confirms: Color, space and clutter can have a dramatic effect on a child's attitudes and behaviors. It can also affect their imagination, creativity and ability to learn," says PaintIdeas.com blogger Angie Stinner. "Fortunately, creating a soothing environment that helps kids learn and grow is easy. It's also the perfect project to bring parents and children together for a weekend of fun. All you need is a little paint and some inspiration."
Here are a few tips for creating the perfect area for learning and fun:
* Inspire creativity. When turning up the creativity in a child's room, a good place to start is the walls. Research reveals that painting a room in the colors of nature - light green or warm teal - can inspire creativity, as well as create a calm learning environment that promotes a positive state of mind. Light blue (the color of academics) or light pink or rose, are good colors too, especially for very active children who need a calming environment to focus. Before painting, apply three thin coats of Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer. It transforms any wall into a surface that attracts magnets, so kids can hang their favorite photos, artwork or school papers without tape or push pins. Add a few funky magnets, but not too many. Too much clutter can be distracting and have a negative impact on focus and creativity.
* Let them write on the walls (or doors or dresser drawers). Educators recognize that giving kids a space to express their creativity or just think out loud is an important component of the learning process. Instead of creating paper clutter or buying a chalk or dry erase board, why not paint a wall, door or dresser drawers with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard or Dry Erase Paint. Chalkboard Paint comes in black, green and a tint base where you can choose from fun colors such as Periwinkle or Raspberry. Both Chalkboard and Dry Erase Paint can be applied over existing paint and instantly turn any surface into a space for math problems, poetry or homework assignments. It's also great for leaving messages or subtle reminders, like, "time to clean your room."
* Create a space to work. You don't have to spend a fortune to give your child the perfect workspace for studying and homework assignments. You can transform a flea market desk - or repurpose a table and chair you already own - with a little spray paint. Try Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X. It's available in popular colors and offers twice the coverage of competitive general purpose spray paint . Coordinate by spray painting a bookcase, some picture frames - even the bed's headboard - to add a little more color to the room. The possibilities are endless.
Need more inspiration? Visit www.paintideas.com. It's the destination for inspiring decorating ideas and creative projects for every room in your home.
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