A Colourful World
Understanding colour is fundamental to visual literacy and artistic expression. When children learn to identify, name, and mix colours, they develop observational skills that transfer to science, mathematics, and reading. Colour mixing introduces children to cause-and-effect relationships in a visually rewarding context.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Piece of Cake
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Listen attentively to a story about colours
- Name at least three primary colours
- Identify and group items by colour
- Create colourful artwork through colour mixing
Materials
- "Raindrops: A Shower of Colours" written by Chieu Anh Urban
- Smocks for paint protection
- Preprinted large umbrella outlines
- Coloured pencils and crayons
- Red, yellow, and blue finger paint or tempera paint
- Ziplock bags for mess-free colour mixing
- Coloured beads for sorting
Instructions
Begin by reading "Raindrops: A Shower of Colours" by Chieu Anh Urban in an engaging, animated manner. Pause throughout to highlight different colours and invite children to point out objects in the classroom that share those colours. The story creates a foundation for the colour exploration that follows.
After the story, guide children to the art area where you have prepared colour-mixing stations. At each station, place ziplock bags containing small amounts of two primary colours that do not touch. Red and yellow in one bag, blue and yellow in another, and red and blue in a third.
Demonstrate the magic of colour mixing by slowly pressing a sealed bag to blend two colours together. Express genuine wonder as the new colour appears: "Look! The red and yellow are dancing together to make orange!" This models enthusiasm while introducing colour-mixing vocabulary.
Allow each child to choose a bag and experiment with mixing. Encourage them to predict what colour will result before mixing. After experimentation, have children share their discoveries: "What colour did you make? How did you do it?"
Next, distribute preprinted umbrella outlines and coloured pencils or crayons. Invite children to decorate their umbrellas using as many colours as possible, creating "bright and colourful umbrellas" for imaginary rainy days. Encourage them to incorporate colours they learned about during mixing.
Display finished umbrellas in a classroom "rainbow" arrangement, organising them by colour for additional categorization practice.
Educator tip
The ziplock bag method allows colour mixing without mess, perfect for children who are hesitant about getting paint on their hands. Ensure bags are completely sealed to prevent leaks. Double-bag if necessary.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's ability to name primary colours. Note their understanding of colour mixing and their ability to predict results. Document colour vocabulary development and grouping skills.