In these uncertain times, as we all try the best we can to settle into a new, uncharted normal, what I’ve been searching for most is hope. Although moments of despair and fear hit hard, hope is also ever present. Rainbow art ideas for all ages have helped.
While physically distanced from the families of Discovery Village, the childcare and preschool I run in Tarrytown, NY, I’ve begun sending home activity ideas for infants, toddlers, preschoolers (some of which even their older siblings and their grownups can enjoy). Rainbow art ideas have been among our favorites. While as of now our commitment is to reopen next Monday, March 30th, with the blessing of New York State, to do what we are able to care for the children of essential workers, the majority of us will be physically distant for an as of yet undetermined amount of time.
To connect to others with hope, I now plan to share these activity ideas more broadly, on this blog, as many families seek ways to keep their youngest children safe and healthy, while also joyous, active, engaged, and hopeful.
As a first post, I offer five ways to be creative and hopeful with rainbows. These are merely possibilities to prompt your thinking and imagination! You can come up with many more!
I invite you to share your hopeful rainbows on your property for neighbors taking solitary walks, and on social media for friends who are physically apart, yet seeking connection.
1. Chalk Rainbows
This is the activity that inspires my hope, and so it is the place I begin. Make rainbow chalk art with inspiring messages for your neighbors locally (and globally posting on social media.)
2. Eat the Rainbow
Have your children been looking for snacks? You can create healthy, colorful snacks. Talk to children about each of the colors.
Red: Keeps your heart and blood healthy
Orange: Protects your eyes and reduces sickness
Yellow: Good for skin health, digestion, and immunity
Green: Keeps bones strong and strengthens immunity
Blue and Purple: Improve memory and brain function.
Photo: courtesy of blog.learningresources.com
3. Dot Rainbows
Use dot paint or even make circle marks with crayons or markers. For those of you not opposed to using food for art, or not opposed to some sweets, you can also use marshmallows. Attach marshmallows to toothpicks, dip into paint, and dot away. You can even glue the marshmallow down at the end as clouds.
Photo: Courtesy of learnplayimagine.com
4. Rainbow Suncatcher Collage
This one takes some materials you may need to order. It might be worth it to bring some hope to your home and your neighbors, as well as some meaningful fun for kids!
Materials Needed:
Tissue Paper, Contact Paper, Construction paper, Scissors
Cut the middle out of a piece of construction paper and stick onto a large piece of contact paper. Place squares of tissue paper onto the contact paper in a rainbow pattern, or any pattern children like. Hang up on the window and see the light shine through!
Photo: Courtesy of whereimaginationgrows.com
5. Rainbow Circles in the Style of Wassily Kandinsky
Children can create circle rainbow art in the style of Wassily Kandinsky.
Note: If you do not know the work of Wassily Kandinsky, look him up. He is considered to be a pioneer of abstract art.
I share three examples:
Squares with Concentric Circles
Kandinsky, 1913
Photo Courtesy of: Wikipedia. Org
Circles in a Circle
Kandinsky, 1923
Photo Courtesy of: Wikipedia. Org
Several Circles
Kandinsky, 1926
Photo: Courtesy of: Wikipedia.Org
Stay healthy and hopeful!