Playdough is such a versatile sensory play material. This Rainbow Playdough Fine Motor Activity is great for helping little hands practise their dexterity. While at first glance, this activity may seem very simple, it has layers of learning within it. This play allows children the opportunity to learn or reenforce their knowledge of the order of the colours in the rainbow while practising their fine motor skills.
Rainbow Playdough Fine Motor Activity:
- Playdough in red, orange, yellow, green, blue 2 shades of purple and white*
*you can either purchase Play Doh in those colours or make your own
Invite your child to roll each colour of the playdough into small balls. If they have never done this before, show them how to pinch off a section, place it in the palm of one hand and roll it using the palm of the other hand.
After this is accomplished, invite your child to arrange the balls in the pattern of a rainbow. You can remind them what the order of the colours is either in words or by setting out pieces of paper in those colours or with the words of each colour written on them or by displaying a picture of a rainbow for them to compare to.
Sensory and Learning Opportunities:
Children will receive visual, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory input while participating in this activity. Expand the learning about rainbows. You can create an entire unit study on rainbows in your preschool or homeschool.
Set out books. Invite your child to draw, colour, or paint a rainbow. Watch videos about the science behind a rainbow.
Incorporate other rainbow activities such as these:
Erupting Rainbow Rocks – STEAM Powered Family
Rainbow in a Bag – Powerful Mothering
Math with a Rainbow Abacus – 123 Homeschool 4 Me
Sticky Rainbow Wall – Crafty Morning
Rainbow Salt Tray – Natural Beach Living
You may be interested in some of these activities: