Coloring with crayons is essential to the strengthing of the small muscles in a child's hand. This is important because it develops the muscles to make them stronger for writing. We color coloring pages that have to do with the letter of the week. While I don't expect all of the children to color in the lines, I do expect their very best effort. The difference in the children's coloring pages from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is unbelievable.