How to Design Preschool Color Themed Art Lessons
Early Childhood Classroom Activities on Colors
Sep 1, 2009
Creating a color themed creation in the preschool classroom can be as simple or complex as needed. Start with one color in mind, and then design an activity to meet specific learning objectives. These objectives should include color recognition, the ability to demonstrate creative expression, and increasing fine motor development through child centered exercises.
Preschool Color Themed Art
There are multiple processes and materials that can be utilized in designing a color themed lesson for the early childhood classroom. Begin by thinking about the particular needs of the students. Some considerations to take into account may be:
- The age of the children.
- The developmental level of the children. This also includes taking into account that one classroom may have many different levels present across all of the developmental domains.
- Prior knowledge about colors and art.
- Interests and likes of the children. This will be helpful when framing the project within a certain theme.
- Health and safety issues. When choosing an art material or deciding upon a process, make sure that everything being used is non-toxic and safe for children. Different materials and processes may be more or less appropriate for children of certain ages.
Color Collages for Young Children
One approach to designing a color themed art activity is to create a color collage. This project involves several different options. Choose one that fits lesson objectives and classroom needs, or create a new one based on these ideas.
- Mono-color collage: This collage art project uses just one color. Try a variety of collage materials in different textures or shades of the chosen color. For example, if the color theme for the day is blue, present the class with navy blue construction paper, baby blue felt, aqua blue tissue paper, and bright blue craft foam. These can be cut or torn, and then glued to another piece of blue paper.
- Rainbow collage: This is a great color theme follow up activity that can be created after all (or at least most) of the colors have been discussed in class. Give the children papers, fabrics, and other collage materials (such as feathers, foam shapes, or pom poms) in a rainbow of colors. Invite the children to create unique collage rainbows by cutting, tearing, and gluing the materials to a piece of cardboard or other thick paper.
Color Paint Mixing
Paint in the early childhood classroom does not always have to be prepackaged and premixed. Try a simple paint mixing exercise to inspire and connect a color theme to creativity. Gather together the three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) in tempera paints or finger paints. Give the children the vocabulary words "primary colors", and explain that by mixing these colors together new colors will emerge.
For added fun, give the children white tempera paint to lighten the newly created colors. Allow the class to explore and experiment with the color mixing activity. Ask the children to name some of the color creations.
Print Making
Invite the class to discover the world of art through a colorful print making experiment. Print making for young children does not need to be overly complicated. Choose a method that best matches the specific goals for the lesson.
- Scratch Foam Print: Use a piece of scratch foam (or a cut styrofoam fruit or vegetable tray) and a wooden stylus or tooth pick to make inventive printing plates. For very young children, encourage the exploration of simple lines and scribbles. Older children may be able to expand upon this and create shapes or a basic picture. Use a brayer or paint brush to cover the printing plate with ink. Choose one color based on the topic or theme for the lesson. Press the inked plate onto a piece of construction paper and rub to transfer the image.
- Stamps and Ink Pads: This is one of the most simple ways to create a print. Try using different colors of ink that correspond with the theme.
Color based themes are a common concept in the early childhood classroom. By adding in a simple art project, the educator can help to connect specific concepts and reach learning goals. Choose an art process and materials that work with the children’s needs and developmental levels. Make sure to discuss the color within the context of the art making. This will help to ensure that color recognition skills are being built, recalled, and used.
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