Paper Rainbow

This is a fun project to teach children how to measure using a ruler, and how to put colors in rainbow order.

Materials Needed:
1 “ wide strips of construction paper in: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Stapler
Optional:
Paper for background/extra paintings
Washable paints
Paintbrushes
Glue
Wipes/Washcloths for cleanup
Light book (to weight down rainbow while it dries onto paper)

1. Have STUDENT measure and mark the following lengths in paper: Red:10 inch, Orange: 9 inch, Yellow 8 inch, Green 7 inch, Blue 6inch, and Purple 5 inch
2. Have STUDENT cut rainbow strips on measured line
3. Show student how to stack colors in rainbow order
4. Help student staple edges of paper strips together on both ends, folding the second end into an arch to complete

Optional:
1. Have student paint the background paper with the washable paints. You may wish to use only blues and whites with your students, but I let my children choose whatever design and colors they want. That’s what makes it art instead of an assignment
2. Brush white glue on an area about the size of the rainbow on your background paper. Lay rainbow on top of glue, and weight down with light weight (book) making sure it does not crush the rainbow
3. Have the STUDENT help clean up-wash paintbrushes and table after they are done

PS-Can’t stand throwing away those pretty rainbow paper scraps? Me neither-some ideas: Mix them up and have student arrange them from smallest to largest (hint:it will be in rainbow order) OR have student cut up the rainbow pieces. On seperate sheet of paper, use gluestick to write out a number or letter you are working on. Have student stick rainbow papers to the glue in shapes of the letter, creating a kinethetic learning experience!