Handprint rainbow painting

Handprint rainbow painting is an idea that has definitely been around for awhile but to each new class of preschool students, it is still a new and interesting and fun idea.

Handprint Rainbows

I love taking the children through the process of painting together to create something and ending up with a magnificent work of art for our classroom.

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

While I was out of town, Miss Abby directed this process along with the help of Miss Lauren and Miss Sascha. We had both classes of our students get into the action of creating a large handprint rainbow. Since I wasn’t there, I will walk through the process the way I usually do it but I am sure Miss Abby found her own way through the process as you can see from the beautiful results below.

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

To begin the process, start by drawing the lines of the rainbow on a large piece of butcher paper. If the lines are in color, the children can use them as a guide for placing the different colors of paint on the paper. It may also help the process to be as free as possible once the children begin.

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

Now it’s time to begin the painting process. Begin by having the children paint one hand with red paint and then head over to the table to make handprints on the red line. I usually have the children just follow each other down the row but this is to keep the children from running into each other as they go back and forth from the paint to the rainbow.

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

My photos are not going to match the directions I am sharing with you because as I mentioned, Miss Abby led the children through the process in her own way. So don’t get confused or just ignore what I am saying and go have fun!

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

After the children paint with their red hand, they head back to the paint table to get yellow paint on their other hand and then paint the yellow line. Then rub their hands together to make orange and paint the orange line (adding more paint to each hand as needed).

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

Once the children finish mixing up orange and adding orange to the paper, then they can either wash hands or if the paint is fairly dry, the blue paint can just be added right on top of the red.

Handprint Rainbow by Teach Preschool

Add blue paint to one hand and go paint. Come back add more yellow paint to the yellow hand then rub the yellow and blue together to make green and go paint again…

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

And finally, come back to the paint area and add red paint to one hand, blue to the other, rub two hands together for purple and finish the last line of your rainbow.

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

Or just let the children figure it all out on their own. In the end, they will surprise you with how capable they are and your rainbow will be fabulous!

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

I am thankful that I have three amazing co-teachers that don’t mind a little messiness while I am away.

And what a beautiful mess it really is!

And what a beautiful mess it really is!

Handprint Rainbow Painting by Teach Preschool

Available on Amazon

Links to Grow On

The Rainbow Center by Teach Preschool

Rainbow Slime by Teach Preschool

Rainbow Tracing by Teach Preschool

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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