Match the Rainbow Tot Activity

I was glancing through a random search and came across this project. I wish I could link it to a site, however; it didn’t give me any links! I found this craft to be educational and fun and could not wait to jump right in. Although we had to travel to two stores with both kids, it was worth the whining. I could take it, they had no idea what was in store for them!

Colors are beautiful. I always take my son outside when there is a rainbow, we glance at all natures glory. I mean honestly, how could we not, it’s God’s extraordinary work. Anyways, off we went to the first store, the Dollar Tree. A place filled with goodies of arts and crafts, toys, household items and any basic need. Ours even has food and a freezer section. I was a little amazed at what a wonderful place it is and for cheap! I grabbed some clothes pins, pink and blue hangers for their rooms, sandpaper (next project!) and they each got a little gift. Then we drove to Home Depot. Bringing two children into the store, one in a stroller and the other on my hand, I was greeted by many people who were employees and some not, assisting me in what I was looking for. I have to admit, some men asked too. I felt as if I all of a sudden was a little out of place, but was gracious for their assistance. But hey, I could hand it, color swatches here we come! By the way, those are free. This little project gave a whopping $2.00 to the arts and crafts budget. I couldn’t be happier.

During their lunch, I started cutting the swatches in half. I cut a little piece out and glued it to each clothes pin. Then hung them on a string on a wall.

After their quiet time, I brought my three year old down to see the hung clothes pins. He loved the colors and smiled. “What is that?” I explained that we were going to match each color with the color clothes pin and he was beaming from ear to ear. Now I have to admit, I didn’t think he was going to be that into this but he was all that and more.

He picked up each color swatch on the ground and started to show me where purple, yellow, orange etc were located but he didn’t understand the function of a clothes pin. Why not? Well, because I don’t hang my clothes outside! This was something that I overlooked. I realized it was a small challenge to open them and slide a swatch up inside. But by the second one, he turned pro.

We started to discuss objects of those colors, like frogs are green and the sun is yellow and before I knew it, he was telling me all about colors! We high fived each other when he was finished and couldn’t wait to show daddy what he did today. He just started school a few weeks ago and it’s not the kind of school that you may think. I’m there for the whole time which is two hours, twice a week. Because of his younger sister, I have had a hard time finding a place that would accept both kids at the same time in the same class. He couldn’t do an activity if it was co-op because I would need to be there but couldn’t find a sitter etc. I am more than thankful to come across this great class let me just say!

As I observe my children, it’s nice to take notes at their new interests and activities that are both educational and challenging. I realized my three year old really likes to match things together and my two year old daughter is testing me and copying her brother every step of the way. From here, I’ll find activities to help push them further and activities that are fun! Isn’t that what being a child is all about? Fun?!

It was one of those moments that my son smiled at me and I knew he was proud of himself. He was pleased that he did it by himself and it absolutely gave him a fantastic confidence boost. I needed to see that. He needed to feel that. As I mentioned, this activity cost me $2 bucks. It was minimum and worth every smile and bonding moment we shared together. This has been the most rewarding craft I have ever done and simple to say the least.

Tomorrow I plan on adding new colors. Colors of different shades and seeing how he does. When my two year old and I had time together, we went through the colors. Hey, they need to start somewhere! This was a fantastic Mommy and Me craft that warmed my soul.