Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Art · The activity desk
Hidden crayon rainbow
Reveal a white-crayon rainbow beneath a wash of color.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A full sheet of white paper, a large white crayon, washable child-appropriate watercolor paint, water, and a broad brush
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Cover the table. An adult checks paint labels and sensitivities and sets out a small amount of water and paint.
Adult's role: Stay beside the child, help draw firm crayon lines if needed, and handle the water and paint cleanup.
Let's make it happen
- Press firmly with the white crayon to draw several curved rainbow lines on the paper.
- Brush a thin wash of watercolor across the page and watch the pale lines appear.
- Add another color if you like, then leave the picture flat to dry.
Make it simpler: Draw one thick crayon line and brush one color across it together.
Clean up: An adult empties the water, washes the brush and work surface, and helps the child wash hands.
Use washable, age-appropriate supplies and keep paint and water out of mouths. An adult supervises continuously and empties water immediately after play.