Rainbow Art Activity for Young Children
Spring Themed Painting Project for Preschool or Daycare
Feb 20, 2009
Young children can create a spring rainbow using painted fingerprints in a row. This lesson plan outlines how to use this activity within the early childhood classroom, as well as some optional ways to expand upon it. This activity works well with themes such as spring or seasons, weather, or colors. Additionally, it can be used with a self concept unit when discussing how fingerprints are unique to every individual.
Lesson Objectives for the Spring Rainbow Fingerprinting
- Increase fine motor skills.
- Explore the spring season and weather.
- Develop color recognition skills.
- Follow steps in a sequence.
- Explore art processes.
- Increase awareness of self.
- Develop self regulation skills.
Age/Grade Level
Toddlers and Preschoolers: Ages 2-6
Materials Needed for the Spring Rainbow Fingerprint
- Fingerpaints or tempera paints in a rainbow of colors
- Construction or drawing paper
Steps for Creating Spring Rainbows
Prior to beginning this activity discuss rainbows with the class. Show photographs or illustrations from books. Ask the children to name different colors that can be found in a rainbow.
Before starting the fingerprint paint process, set out a tray with different puddles of paint. Allow each individual child to choose what color he or she will use to start. Encourage the children to be creative, and avoid making them follow a pre-set color pattern. This activity is geared more towards exploration of the process than creating a realistic rainbow with properly ordered colors.
Art Process Steps:
- The children dip a finger into one paint color.
- Dot (making fingerprints) a curved line of the color.
- The children (with adult help) can now clean off that finger with a wipe or a paper towel.
- The children repeat this process with several different colors until a rainbow emerges.
Lesson Wrap Up for the Rainbow Art Activity
After the fingerprint paintings are dry, display them on a wall (or other display place in your classroom). Have an art show, and ask the children to discuss what they made. Point out the differences in each child's fingerprint.
Following the art show, ask the children to recall vocabulary words or facts that they may have learned during this activity. This may include words about weather, rainbows, spring, or art.
Enrichment Activities for the Rainbow Art Activity
- Add extra (optional) details: Use cotton balls and glue to add clouds to the bottom of the rainbow. Add glitter and glue "rain".
- Color mixing: Discover how many colors can be made by mixing the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow). Invite the children to create their own rainbow of paints before starting this process. Use the vocabulary words primary to refer to red, blue, and yellow and secondary to refer to orange, green, and purple. Add white paint into the mix to lighten the colors and make pink, baby blue, or light purple.
- Science: Explore how rainbows are formed. Try reading non-fiction books on the subject.
- Self-concept: Use the fingerprints to further explore the concept of self.
The spring rainbow art activity is easily made with paint and the child's own fingers. Promote creativity and child directed use of color. Once finished, hang these artful displays in the classroom for a rainbow of color.
