What better way to explore colors than with kaleidoscopes? When doing this with my classroom, I couldn’t find a large kaleidoscope but mini ones from the local dollar store or even Michael’s art store, got the idea across to them as well. This activity idea came from teachpreschool.org. I decided to try it out with my kids to see how they would receive it. They were really engaged. So I pass it on to you, however tweaked.
Materials you’ll need:
- Paper towel tubes (cut in half if too long)
- Contact paper (or wax paper works just as well)
- Tape (to hold the wax/contact paper down around the sides of the tube)
- Collage material (like birthday party confetti) cut into small pieces
- Glitter (optional)
- Thin pieces of cardboard (like from a cereal box)**
- Markers or crayons for decorating the tube
Activity:
- Prepare the activity by taping a 3x3 square of contact paper or wax paper onto one side of the open tube.
- Give it to child to decorate with crayons, markers, or stickers. They can have fun with this.
- Next, glue on the peephole top. **This is prepared by cutting the piece of thin cardboard into a circle (that will just fit the top of the other side of the tube opening). Next, puncture a hole into the top using a screwdriver. This is so the kids can add the collage materials through the hole. [Although you can have them add the materials prior to gluing on the top.]
- Finally, put in collage materials (remember to cut into pieces) through the hole and enjoy!!
Skills Worked On:
- Fine motor (hand muscle work)
- Eye/hand coordination
- Writing
- Creative expression
Books to help enhance the lesson:
- Elmer’s Colors by David McKee
- Color Dance by Ann Jonas
- A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
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