Not only does this activity delight our young artists, but it also helps develop their fine motor skills and colour recognition. Students were set with the task of identifying the colour words on their rainbow templates and matching them to the corresponding pastel. They then learnt how to use pastels as opposed to crayons,and discovered the difference between the materials. The tamariki gained the ability to draw with the pastels and then use their fingers to blend the pastel, resulting in a smooth, even colour that blended in nicely with the colour next to it. Just like a real rainbow!
Why Pastels
Pastels are a fantastic medium for young learners. They are easy to grip, blend well, and offer bright, eye-catching colours. This makes them perfect for creating rainbows, which allow children to express themselves through the beautiful spectrum of colours.
The Joy of Rainbows
Rainbows are magical and always capture the imagination of children. Working on rainbow art projects helps children explore the concept of colour mixing and teaches them the order of colours in a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Benefits of Art in Learning
Engaging in art projects like this supports a wide range of developmental skills in young children. It builds their confidence by giving them a sense of accomplishment. By taking on and successfully completing a set task, children's self esteem is boosted and they gain satisfaction from trying something new. Activities like this also help improve fine motor skills which aids them in their writing skills. This activity also provided a wonderful opportunity for self-expression and creativity as art allows children to express their thoughts and feelings in a different way. Plus, it's a fun way for them to explore new concepts in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
What Next
Alongside the learning that has happened, we have also incorporated singing the colours song called “Ma is White”. This has further enhanced the students knowledge of their colour names and brought in the te reo maori names for each one too. The students love to sing it together and it has been a fun and enjoyable way to extend on our rainbow activity.
Colouring in is my favourite thing in the world
I liked how we coloured it in and then smudged it with our finger
I learnt all the colours of the rainbow
I learnt new names of colours like Indigo
My vision is to be an inspiring and empowering force in children’s lives so they are excited and motivated to learn.
Every child deserves a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their ideas. Critical thinking and problem-solving are fundamental skills, and having the confidence to be expressive is a virtue that needs nurturing.
Growing up on a dairy farm in Lichfield and attending the local primary school, I experienced the value of a close-knit community. This inspired me to ensure my own children had the same privilege and all three of my children have attended Wairakei Primary and thrived. This inspiration for my own children weaves through into my aspirations for my students. When children feel a sense of belonging and have strong, supportive connections with both their peers and teachers, they are best positioned to excel in their learning.
Outside of the classroom, my family and I live on a large drystock farm. I enjoy reading, tending to my greenhouse, and going camping with my family. These interests inform my teaching, especially my passion for literacy and encouraging students to explore and engage with the world around them.
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