Category: Creativity

As we enter another year, there’s no law that says you must make a New Year’s resolution. For some people, it’s motivating.  For others, it’s a cumbersome thought that also brings a fear of failure and the guilt that follows when goals are not achieved.   Yet here we are offering ideas to help those who are thinking about the subject.

So, let’s reframe things a bit. Most people have a desire to make their lives better in some way.  They want to solve problems, make their lives easier, improve their health, or driven by FOMO, have more fun this year.  With that sentiment in mind, here are some simple ideas in different areas that may help.

New Year’s Resolution Ideas

We’ve broken this list into categories.  It’s created to purely offer inspiration.

Health and Wellness

1. Drink a glass of water before your morning coffee, tea, milk, or juice.
2. Try one new fruit or vegetable every week.
3. Aim for 8 hours of sleep at least four nights a week.
4. Take a ‘movement snack’ from sitting with a 5-minute stretch or walk.
5. Learn to cook one signature dish from scratch.
6. Swap one sugary drink a day for sparkling water or herbal tea.
7. Practice eye health by looking away from screens every 20 minutes.
8. Stretch for five minutes before getting into bed.
9. Try a meatless Monday and eat protein from plant sources.
10. Walk or bike for trips that are less than a mile away.
11. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
12. Wear sunscreen every morning, even when it’s cloudy.
13. Replace one ultra-processed snack with nuts, seeds, or fruit.
14. Practice mindful eating without looking at screens for one meal a day.
15. Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere you go.
16. Learn the basics of meal prepping to save time during the week.
17. Schedule all your annual health and dental check-ups in January.
18. Spend at least 15 minutes outside every day, regardless of the weather.
19. Try a new type of physical activity, like pickleball, yoga, or hiking.
20. Floss your teeth every night.

Mindset and Mental Health

21. Write down three things you’re grateful for at least once a week.
22. Practice deep breathing for one minute when you feel stressed.
23. Start a ‘Done List’ to track what you accomplished.
24. Read for 15 minutes before bed instead of scrolling social media.
25. Replace one “I have to” with “I get to” in your daily vocabulary.
26. Spend 10 minutes a day in total silence.
27. Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
28. Learn to say NO to things that drain your energy.
29. Forgive yourself quickly when you make a mistake.
30. Keep a ‘win jar’ and write down small victories to read at the end of the year.
31. Set a digital sunset with no screens 30 minutes before sleep.
32. Use positive self-talk.  Speak to yourself like you would a best friend.
33. Identify your “stress triggers” and find one healthy way to manage each.
34. Start a journaling habit (even if it’s just one sentence a day).
35. Declutter one small drawer or shelf every weekend.
36. Practice “single-tasking”—focus on one thing at a time.
37. Create a morning routine that doesn’t involve checking your phone first thing.
38. Try a 24-hour digital detox once a month.
39. Write a letter to your future self to be opened on December 31, 2026.
40. Give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty.

Personal Growth and Creativity

41. Read 6 books this month. One very two months.
42. Learn five new words in a different language every week.
43. Take a photo of one beautiful thing once a week.
44. Start a new hobby just for fun with no pressure to be good at it.
45. Watch one documentary a month about a topic you know nothing about.
46. Learn a basic life skill, such as sewing a button or changing a car tire.
47. Listen to an educational podcast during chores.
48. Visit a local museum or art gallery you’ve never been to.
49. Dedicate one hour a week to a creative craft or project.
50. Improve your handwriting by practicing for five minutes a day.
51. Learn to identify five local birds or trees in your neighborhood.
52. Try a month where you only spend money on essentials.
53. Take an online course or watch a tutorial to learn a new software or app.
54. Memorize one poem or a famous speech.
55. Start a small indoor garden or keep one houseplant alive.
56. Re-read a favorite book from your childhood.
57. Experiment with a new creative endeavour, such as watercolors, clay, or digital art.
58. Set a positive ‘focus word’ for the year and let it improve your decisions.
59. Learn to play three chords on a musical instrument.
60. Practice public speaking by recording yourself or joining a group like Toastmasters.

Community and Relationships

61. Send a handwritten thank you note to someone who helped you.
62. Instead of texting, call a friend or relative once a week.
63. Perform one random act of kindness every month.
64. Open a door for a stranger or let them into your lane while driving.
65. Volunteer for two hours at a local charity or community event.
66. Host a game night or a potluck for friends or family.
67. Practice active listening by not interrupting others.
68. Donate clothes or items you haven’t used in a year.
69. When possible, support a local business instead of a big-box store.
70. Learn the names of three neighbors you don’t know yet.
71. Pick up a piece of litter every time you go for a walk.
72. Acknowledge people’s birthdays with a personal message.
73. Offer to help a friend or family member with a chore or project.
74. Offer to lend a book you loved with a friend.
75. Be the first to apologize after a small disagreement.
76. Reduce your plastic waste by using reusable grocery bags.
77. Attend a local community meeting or school board event.
78. Offer to teach someone else a skill that you’re good at.
79. Write a positive review for a local business or creator you enjoy.
80. Make an effort to be on time for every commitment.

Organization and Productivity

81. Clear your email inbox or your notifications every Friday.
82. Lay out your outfit the night before.
83. Keep a physical planner or digital calender.
84. Clean out your phone’s photo gallery once a month.
85. Create a single place to keep your keys, wallet, and phone.
86. Tackle your dreaded task first thing in the morning.
87. Organize your digital files into clear, labeled folders.
88. Set a weekly budget and track your spending.
89. Unsubscribe from marketing emails that tempt you to overspend.
90. Clean your workspace for five minutes at the end of every day.
91. Learn three new keyboard shortcuts to speed up your digital work.
92. Automate one recurring task, like a bill payment or a digital backup.
93. Make your bed every morning.
94. Carry a small notebook to jot down ideas so you don’t forget them.
95. Review your goals on the first Sunday of every month.
96. Sort through your junk drawer and throw things away or donate them.
97. Set a timer for 20 minutes to do a deep clean of one area of your home weekly.
98. Protect your data and privacy. Brush up on the latest scams and cyber security tips.
99. Learn to use a password manager to stay secure and organized.
100. Back up your computer or phone data once a month.

Happy New Year!  

Photography often starts as a simple curiosity. Kids notice small things—colors on a wall, light through a window, a pet sleeping in the sun. Giving them a camera lets them slow down and see the world more closely. It can be fun, calming, and surprisingly meaningful.

At the same time, anything digital comes with lessons. Without gentle guidance, kids may share too much or forget that not every moment needs to be captured.

When photography is introduced with care, it becomes more than a gadget or screen-based hobby. It turns into a way for children to learn patience, creativity, and respect for others. With the right balance of freedom and boundaries, photography can grow into a positive habit that fits naturally into everyday family life.

Read on to see how parents can make this journey safe, responsible, and enjoyable.

Why Digital Photography Can Be a Healthy Creative Outlet for Kids

Photography encourages children to slow down and observe their surroundings. Instead of scrolling endlessly, they focus on what they see and how to frame it.

Some benefits include:

• Improved observation skills and attention to detail
• Creative expression without heavy screen interaction
• Better understanding of light, color, and perspective
• A sense of accomplishment from creating something meaningful

Photography also creates opportunities for conversation. Asking a child why they chose a subject helps them reflect and explain their thinking. Over time, this builds confidence and communication skills.

When guided properly, photography becomes a balanced activity that blends creativity with mindfulness.

Choosing the Right Beginner Camera for Children

The type of camera matters when introducing kids to photography. Complex devices can frustrate beginners, while toy cameras often limit learning.

A good beginner camera should be:

• Lightweight and easy to hold
• Durable enough for regular use
• Simple to operate without overwhelming menus
• Capable of producing clear, satisfying photos

Many parents prefer starting with a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera because it offers real photo quality with fewer buttons and less bulk than traditional cameras. Retailers like Adorama offer options designed for learning, with intuitive controls and automatic modes that let kids focus on creativity rather than settings.

The goal is to choose equipment that supports learning and confidence, not perfection.

Setting Clear Rules for Safe Photography Use

Rules help children understand boundaries and expectations. They don’t limit creativity. They protect it.

Important rules to establish early include:

• When the camera can be used and for how long
• Where photography is allowed and where it is not
• Asking permission before photographing people
• Avoiding private spaces like bathrooms or changing areas
• Handling the camera carefully and storing it properly

Discussing these rules openly helps children understand why boundaries exist. They begin to see photography as a responsibility, not just a toy.

Clear guidelines build trust and reduce the risk of misuse.

Teaching Online and Digital Safety Through Photography

Photography often leads to sharing, especially as children grow older. This makes digital safety an essential part of the learning process.

Key lessons to introduce include:

• Not every photo needs to be posted online
• Personal information should never appear in images
• Location details can be revealed through photos
• Online feedback doesn’t define the value of a photo

Parents can review photos together before sharing and talk through potential risks calmly. This keeps the conversation open instead of restrictive.

Teaching digital awareness through photography prepares children for responsible technology use later in life.

Helping Kids Develop Responsible Photography Habits

Habits shape how children interact with technology long-term. Photography offers a chance to build positive routines early.

Helpful habits to encourage:

• Taking fewer, more thoughtful photos
• Reviewing and discussing pictures together
• Learning basic camera care and respect for equipment
• Focusing on learning, not likes or validation

Photography should feel intentional, not rushed. Slowing down helps children appreciate the process rather than chasing results.

When habits are built early, photography stays meaningful instead of becoming another form of passive screen time.

Turning Photography Into a Guided Family Activity

Photography doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Involving the whole family adds value and connection.

Ideas include:

• Going on short photo walks together
• Creating themed challenges like colors or nature
• Printing photos for albums instead of online posts
• Talking about what each photo represents

These shared moments strengthen trust and make photography feel purposeful. Children learn that creativity and safety can exist together.

Family involvement also helps parents stay aware without appearing controlling.

Conclusion

Digital photography can be a powerful learning tool when introduced with care. With the right camera, simple rules, and ongoing conversations, kids learn creativity alongside responsibility. Photography teaches observation, patience, and respect while opening doors to digital safety lessons that extend far beyond the camera. Guided properly, it becomes a positive, enriching experience that supports healthy technology habits and meaningful self-expression.

Paint by numbers has experienced a massive resurgence across the UK, evolving from a nostalgic childhood pastime into a respected method for mindfulness and artistic expression. It offers a structured way to create stunning imagery without the daunting prospect of facing a blank canvas.

However, there is a distinct difference between simply filling in gaps and creating a piece of art that looks professionally finished.

If you are looking to transition from a hobbyist to a skilled painter, the technique matters just as much as the image you choose. Whether you are working on a standard landscape or a sentimental custom paint by numbers art kit, adopting a few advanced strategies can transform your final result from a simple colouring exercise into a masterpiece worth framing.

Here are five essential tips to elevate your skills from beginner to advanced.

1. The “Light to Dark” Philosophy

One of the most common pitfalls for beginners is attacking the canvas randomly. Experienced artists understand that the order of application is crucial. Always begin with your lightest hues before moving on to the darker tones.

The reasoning is practical: acrylic paint is generally opaque, but dark colours are far more dominant. If you accidentally paint over a border with a pale cream or yellow, covering it later with a deep blue or black is effortless. Conversely, trying to hide a dark smudge with white paint often requires multiple thick layers, which can leave an uneven texture. By starting light, you ensure a forgiving base that keeps your canvas looking crisp.

2. Curate Your Studio Space

You cannot produce high-quality work in a cluttered, dimly lit environment. Professional artists treat their workspace with respect, and you should too. Set up a dedicated area with a flat, stable surface and, crucially, excellent lighting. Natural daylight is ideal for colour accuracy, but if you are painting in the evening, a daylight-simulation lamp is a worthwhile investment to prevent eye strain.

Organise your workspace efficiently. Keep your water pot, paper towels, and brushes on your dominant side to avoid reaching across your wet painting. If you are using a personalised kit based on a photo, keep the original reference image propped up nearby. This allows you to compare the nuances of the image rather than relying solely on the numbered guide.

3. Master the Art of Layering

A tell-tale sign of a beginner’s painting is the visibility of the numbers or grid lines through the paint. To achieve a rich, professional finish, avoid the temptation to apply one thick glob of paint. Instead, embrace the technique of layering.

Apply a thin, even coat first and allow it to dry completely. If the number is still visible, apply a second coat. This method creates a smoother surface and ensures the colours appear vibrant and solid. It is particularly important for lighter shades, which naturally have less pigment density. Patience is key here; rushing to add a second coat whilst the first is damp will only drag the paint and create a streaky finish.

4. Brush Hygiene and Maintenance

Your tools are the extension of your hand, and their condition dictates the quality of your strokes. Acrylic paint dries rapidly and becomes water-resistant once set. If paint creates a build-up at the “ferrule” (the metal part connecting the bristles to the handle), the bristles will splay, making precision work impossible.

Get into the habit of rinsing your brush immediately after finishing a colour or even during long sessions with the same colour. Never leave brushes resting bristles-down in a water pot, as this bends the tip. By maintaining a sharp point on your brushes, you ensure you can tackle even the most intricate sections of your canvas with confidence.

5. Softening the Edges (Blurring)

Strictly following the lines creates a “mosaic” effect, which is classic for paint by numbers. However, to achieve a more realistic, painterly look—especially for portraits or clouds—you may want to soften the transitions between colours.

This is an advanced technique where you slightly blend two wet colours where they meet on the canvas. Alternatively, you can use a technique called “zig-zagging” with a very dry brush to break up the hard line between two dry sections. This is particularly effective when working on custom kits involving faces or animal fur, where sharp lines rarely exist in nature.

Conclusion

Becoming an advanced painter is not about talent; it is about patience and process. By organising your space, caring for your tools, and thinking critically about how you layer your colours, you can produce a painting that belies its numbered origins. Whether you are capturing a family memory or a scenic view, these tips will ensure your art stands the test of time.

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Practical fun tips for teaching art to kids.

Coloring pages have long been a staple in classrooms—but their value goes far beyond keeping little hands busy. Today, teachers are using coloring activities to enhance learning, support development, and create calm, inclusive spaces for all students.

Whether it’s reinforcing a lesson or offering a sensory-friendly break, coloring pages continue to prove themselves as powerful tools in modern education. Here’s why so many teachers swear by them—and how you can use them more meaningfully in your classroom.

1. They Support Early Childhood Development

For young learners, coloring isn’t just fun—it’s foundational.

Coloring pages help:

Build fine motor skills – Strengthening the muscles needed for writing and scissors

Improve hand-eye coordination – Learning to stay within lines and choose colors

Develop pencil grip – A stepping stone to proper handwriting

Many teachers integrate coloring into early literacy and math centers because it’s a tactile way for children to engage while practicing control and focus.

Tip: Choose pages with bold outlines and large spaces for pre-K and kindergarten students.

For a closer look at why children love coloring and how it supports their growth, explore Twinkl’s blog on how colouring benefits children.

2. They Reinforce Educational Concepts

Coloring pages can double as visual learning tools.

From letter recognition to science diagrams, students absorb information while engaging their creativity. Many teachers use themed coloring sheets to support:

• Alphabet and number learning

• Seasons, animals, or life cycles

• Geography and planets

• Social-emotional topics like kindness or emotions 

Example: A coloring page of the solar system can help students visualize planet order and scale—reinforcing science standards while offering a calming activity.

3. They Promote Focus and Mindfulness

Coloring has been shown to reduce stress, even in children. In classrooms filled with movement and stimulation, coloring provides a structured, peaceful task that encourages:

• Quiet concentration

• Self-regulation

• Transition time between lessons

Teachers often keep a stack of themed coloring sheets for:

• Early finishers

• Morning work

• Cool-down corners or reset breaks

If you’d like to understand how mindful coloring supports calm and focus, check out TeacherBot’s article on mindful coloring for students.

4. They Are Inclusive and Accessible

One of the biggest benefits of coloring activities is that they require no reading level, making them accessible to:

• English language learners

• Non-verbal students

• Students with learning differences or developmental delays

Teachers can also scale pages by complexity, offering simpler images for younger or lower-level learners, and more detailed options for advanced students.

Coloring creates a space where every student can participate and feel successful.

5. They’re Easy to Integrate Into Any Lesson Plan

Coloring pages are versatile and time-saving for educators.

They work well as:

• Lesson warm-ups or exit tickets

• Center station activities

• Homework extensions

• Holiday or event-based supplements

You can match them to any subject or theme, from Earth Day to Black History Month to class birthdays.

And unlike high-prep crafts, printable coloring pages take seconds to set up.

 6. Free Resources Make It Even Easier

With access to high-quality, printable pages online, teachers don’t have to create materials from scratch.

Sites like Crayola, SuperColoring, SketchJoy, and many other ones offer a growing library of free classroom-ready coloring pages, including:

• Alphabet and number sheets
• Educational themes like planets, animals, or weather
• Holiday collections (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.)
• Pop culture and fun characters that students love

All pages are formatted as PDFs for A4 and Letter paper, and can be printed instantly—no sign-up required.

Bonus: You can even create mini “coloring booklets” for your students to take home or use in centers.

Final Thoughts

Coloring pages are more than just fun filler—they’re a quiet powerhouse in your teacher toolkit. From building motor skills to reinforcing lessons and creating inclusive, mindful classroom moments, they offer endless flexibility with zero prep stress.

If you’re looking to refresh your printable collection, check out our free educational and themed coloring pages at SketchJoy.com.

Happy coloring—your students will thank you!