Simple projects can teach kids about color mixing.
One of the many enjoyable activities for young children is painting with colors. Painting a unique picture with various hues helps children understand how colors look individually, as well as all mixed together. In fact, many paint mixing activities are well-suited for young children, teaching them about the basic primary and secondary color schemes.
Color Basics
Before they begin a paint color mixing activity, children need to understand basic color theory. Primary colors are the starting point for any color activity since they are the basis for every visual color. Three colors comprise the primary color group: red, blue and yellow. Mixing the primary colors strategically produces the three secondary colors orange, green and purple. Color theory extends into tertiary colors by combining primary and secondary colors for creating even more color choices. However, most basic children's painting activities center around primary color manipulation for generating secondary colors.
Simple Palette Mixing Activity
Prepare a disposable palette, or paper plate, with paint for a color mixing demonstration. Place a small amount of red, blue and yellow paint in separate corners of the palette. Use a brush to take a portion of red and blue paint and place it on a clean palette area. Mix the two colors together as the children observe the process. The purple secondary color will emerge in front of their eyes. Repeat the process for mixing yellow and blue to make green, as well as red and yellow for the color orange.
Bagged Color Mixing Activity
This bagged color mixing activity allows small children to observe the color combining process, as well as to participate in a hands-on environment. Ask each child for two color choices from the primary colors. Place the two paint colors each child selects inside a large, resealable plastic bag. Verify that the seal is tightly secured. Allow each child to manipulate, squeeze and push the bag around on a table. The movement will slowly mix the two primary colors together, creating a secondary color.
The Color Wheel
After mixing paint colors, teachers or caregivers can introduce the color wheel to children. Teachers can highlight the primary color positions, as well as the secondary color locations. The color wheel can be related to basic rainbows as a method of connecting the wheel's colors to the children's experience, solidifying the concept in their minds.
