rainbows

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Making watercolor rainbows with markers is one of the easiest and most fun art activities for early learners to do. Preparation time is minimal, and the art project is stunning every time.

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Supplies To Collect

Only the following few supplies are needed for this gorgeous watercolor art project:

eye droppers or pipettes
paper towel roll
set of 10 water-based markers
paint pot with water
ice cream pail lid
reusable tablecover

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Watercolor Rainbows With Markers Art Project

To offer this fun watercolor art project, set out a sample rainbow drawing, a paper towel roll sheet, and a set of water-based markers.

Discuss the colors of the rainbow, and the acronym ROYGBIV. Explain that this acronym stands for the order of colors in a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Invite participants to draw a rainbow, starting with a red curved line near the edges of their paper towel sheet.

Tip: To make it easier for young children, draw a large red half circle on each paper towel sheet using an ice cream pail lid as a guide. Then ask participants to draw in the rest of the curved lines of the rainbow.

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After each child has finished their rainbow drawing, direct them to a table with eye droppers or pipettes and paint pots filled with water. Ask participants to drop water on their rainbow with the droppers. They will absolutely love this part of the art activity.

Let the beautiful rainbow art dry overnight and display it.

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Note: Children may draw their rainbows in a unique color pattern. That is just fine…the rainbows will look beautiful in any color order.

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More Eye Dropper Art

Eye Dropper Leaf Art

Gorgeous Eye Dropper Art

Eye Dropper Pumpkin Art

Eye Dropper Heart Art

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More Watercolor Art

Watercolor Apples With Markers

Pump Bottle Watercolor Art

Unicorn Watercolor Art

Watercolor Planets With Markers

Crayon Resist Watercolor Shamrock

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There are so many rainbow images and activities posted online in March, and most are associated with leprechauns and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But I’m introducing this rainbow sensory tray (with a container for “gold)” in May since the colorful arcs will be a common sight in the sky in the coming months.

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This rainbow sensory tray makes a perfect spring activity. It is designed for a light table but works on a regular one too.

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Rainbows and a stash of gold have other meanings than those suggested in the leprechaun legends we are familiar with. For instance, a rainbow represents an effort-filled journey towards a goal. The journey itself is meaningful and beautiful, just like a rainbow. The resulting accomplishment is the “pot of gold.” Completing post-secondary education, learning to drive a car, or buying a home are examples of worthy goals.

The colors in a rainbow can represent character qualities helpful in achieving goals in life:

Vibrant red represents strength and energy.
Luscious orange signifies optimism and spontaneity.
Bright yellow oozes creativity.
Green stands for peacefulness and balance.
Tranquil blue suggests honesty and reliability.

And other than coins or a difficult goal achieved, a ”pot of gold” may signify a great friend, a home with a loving family, or valuable skills and insights learned.

And so…a rainbow and pot of gold sensory activity is appropriate any time of the year!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Colorful transparent reusable ice cubes are the "stars" of this cheery rainbow sensory tray designed for a light table.

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For this cheery sensory tray, gather the following supplies:

a clear rectangular serving tray
transparent reusable ice cubes in a variety of colors
gold acrylic pebble gems
large clear, flat acrylic gems
a small, clear container and a large spoon

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Setting Up The Rainbow Sensory Tray

Transparent gems and star-shaped reusable ice cubes are the highlights of this rainbow sensory tray.

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This sensory tray can be set up in minutes:

First, arrange the ice cubes in a rainbow design on a clear rectangular tray.
Next, add clear rock-shaped gems to be clouds at the rainbow ends.
Then sprinkle in gold gems to represent coins.
Lastly, add the clear container and a large spoon for scooping.

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The tray is designed to be offered on a light table or lightbox. But it would work fine as a play invitation on a regular table too.

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Do you want to learn how rainbows form in the sky? Click here for a simple explanation:

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