Here’s another preschool activity to reinforce secondary colors. It was inspired by a product I saw in a Montessori catalog that costs $38.00. That is a ridiculous price tag for something that takes a few minutes to make. You will need to purchase some color paddles. I got mine through Oriental Trading Company. They are inexpensive and come in multiples, so you can split costs with another mom to save even more money.
Materials
red, yellow and blue color paddles (Keep other colors hidden until your child understands secondary colors very well.)
white card stock or paper
crayons or markers
1. Draw simple pictures of a pumpkin, a leaf and a shirt. Leave a blank hole in the middle of each picture. This hole should be the size of your paddle.
2. Test markers and crayons for the closest shade to match your paddles’ blended colors. Then color everywhere except the hole.
To Present
1. Give your child each paddle and ask him what color it is. Let him explore looking at the world with each color.
2. Tell your child to combine two paddles to make a new color. Let him explore making all three secondary colors. Encourage him to state or repeat which two colors make what.
3. Give your child the picture of the pumpkin. Ask him what color it is? If he doesn’t know, ask him if it orange or green?
4. Challenge your child to find the two paddles that make orange. Encourage experimentation if he doesn’t know right off the bat.
5. Repeat with the leaf picture, and then the shirt.
6. Once your child is adept, leave the paddles and pictures out for him to experiment whenever he wants.
Benefits
• Not only does this teach children about secondary colors, it also encourages experimentation and using the scientific method.
• Looking at the world through different shades encourages discovery and creativity.
• Children love this activity because it’s fun. Early success in education makes learning a positive experience and builds self-esteem.
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