Believe it or not, prolonged exposure to certain colors can affect a child’s IQ, according to Excellence in Public Educational Facilities, a Web resource sponsored by the Canadian government. A plain black and white color scheme tends to lower IQ, while the judicious use of bold reds and oranges may raise it as much as 15 points. Be careful not to overdo, though; a little red is stimulating, but too much becomes irritating. Bright yellow is stimulating to the brain, while the color green is thought to encourage creativity.
Use shades of blue and green to calm children. Blue, in particular, can actually cause your heart rate to lower. A plain blue carpet in a reading area, for example, may help your kids focus and listen quietly. Too much dark blue can become depressing, however, so stick to light blue on walls or large floor areas. Some children find earth tones have a calming influence as well.
If your students are struggling to read, try a different color of paper. According to the Excellence in Public Education Facilities website, 80 percent of dyslexic children experience improved reading comprehension with a grey or blue overlay on their pages. Opt for muted tones here, as bright colors become difficult to look at after a while.
Use bright colors like red, orange and yellow to draw attention to important points. These colors draw the eye and may help your students notice details. This works for bulletin board displays, wall posters and handouts. Do not over-clutter the display when designing bulletin boards because it can become distracting and make it difficult for your students to sort the essential information from the unessential.
Bland, uniform walls in pale neutrals do not help students focus, but contribute to a general dullness. Colors, on the other hand, stimulate the senses and encourage learning. Use natural and earth tones, as well as primary colors, in a way that is exciting without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choices you make should depend on your space, the lighting and the purpose of the room.