Do rainbow science and art, learn about skin color, get active for a good cause in your community, and make rainbow pizza!
It’s been a heavy few weeks. It’s actually been a heavy year, considering we’re all just paddling aimlessly through a global pandemic, but that’s not the whole story. There is a lot I could say about the social justice movement that is happening in our country as a result of the unjust death of George Floyd, but I have no idea if my words are the right words, and in the end, what good will come from them. Instead, I’ve decided to act. I’m starting at home, with my kids. I’m trying to bring up the conversation as much as I can with them, and one great thing about kids is that they GET this. They learn about incidents like George Floyd and Brionna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and they are, quite simply, appalled. How could this happen when it’s just plain WRONG? So, in the end, if the conversation is hard for us (white parents), that’s on us, and it’s not an excuse anymore. Really, it never was.
So, in honor of anti-racism and anti-prejudice and social justice and diversity and Pride Month, I give you R A I N B O W themed learning! It’s not what I set out for it to be when we did it last summer, and I am far from an expert, but it’s my way of tying this work that needs to be done into something I love. Rainbows are a symbol for diversity, love, acceptance and inclusion. What better theme to teach our youth, any day of the year? I welcome feedback and suggestions for adding to this page- please email me!
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Here are just a few ideas I have about discussion questions. I am by no means an expert on discussing racism with kids, so I’m going off of instinct here.
- How is a rainbow made in the sky? What types of weather might create one?
- Why do you think rainbows are a symbol of diversity/inclusion/allyship (togetherness/friendship/happiness)?
- How are rainbows like skin colors of people in the world?
- How and why do people have different shades of skin? Why is it important to acknowledge and celebrate those differences?
- What are some ways we can use the symbol of rainbows, like colors of different shades of skin, to spread messages about love and inclusion?
R E A D I N G
This section is a hybrid of rainbow science and art, as well as children’s books that teach diversity (as recommended by the Instagram account @booksfordiversity).
Books on Diversity & Inclusion
Okay, I’m really excited about this. My kids and I have put together a list of Must-Read Children’s Books on Diversity & Inclusion, including reviews from the mouths of babes. The plan is to add to it, as an ongoing project. Make sure to check it out!
Books on Rainbow Art & Science
- Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color by Jane Brocket
- Elmer by David Mckee
- Experiments with Light and Color (Cool Science) by Tom Jackson
- Magic School Bus Makes a Rainbow: A Book About Color by Scholastic Paperbacks
M E D I A
I hope to add to this list as more resources become available to teach kids about equity. There is rainbow science included here too! Here are a few shows and podcasts (for both kids and parents) that fall under this theme.
- Sesame Street Town Hall: Talking About Racism. This is a great resource for parents. I watched with my five-year-old and he was engaged and definitely “got it” as he watched kids of color ask questions about race, and Sesame Street characters engage in the conversation. Mostly, though, it gives parents tools for starting these conversations at home and answering tough questions.
- Reading Rainbow. As producers work to re-imagine this beloved series from the 80s for a new generation of readers, head to this site for links to some old clips. (Also, for adults, check out this podcast, narrated by Levar Burton, the best reading voice in existence)
- Loving this list of podcasts to help parents talk to their kids about race, as well as diverse fiction and non-fiction podcasts for kids.
- Magic School Bus: Makes a Rainbow. For the science side of things and to help answer some discussion questions, go on a journey with the School Bus crew to learn how rainbows are made. Then, have a conversation about the diversity of the students in the class. Also check out this awesome (and affordable) Mysteries of Rainbows kit that ties into the show, in which young scientists can design a rainbow spinner, blow rainbow bubbles, and more!
A R T
Whenever my kids ask me, “Mommy, what is your favorite color?” they know the answer… Rainbow! Incorporating color theory and the rainbow pattern into my artwork and teaching is at the top of my list of favorites, and what a great opportunity to celebrate shades of skin, and the universal symbol of inclusion. Here are some of my favorite projects to date:
The Colors of Me. This lesson includes the book The Colors of Us by Karen Katz (with a YouTube link if you can’t get it) and tips for connecting the lesson to the concept of diversity. It’s designed for the classroom, but the process of mixing, painting, and celebrating their own skin tone at home can open the door to celebrating other skin tones as well. Try creating a mural of hand prints made from various skin tones.
Sidewalk Chalk Rainbows. Be a part of the movement! When quarantine began, rainbows and chalk murals were all the rage. Now more than ever, this is a simple and sweet way to show support of human rights and equality, and to spread light and hope during these incredibly heave times.
Surprise Rainbows. This one was so easy I taught it to my son’s second grade class over Zoom, knowing that the materials required are relatively accessible; you just need paper towels or coffee filters and markers. Drip water onto your rainbow designs and watch the colors explode!
Found Object Color Wheel. A great Montessori activity, this lesson can easily be done with zero supplies, except for whatever you’ve got around the house. Ask your child to collect toys, stuffies, books, etc. of all colors of the rainbow, and then place them in a circular form in rainbow order on the floor. Take it further by identifying primary and secondary colors, monochromatic shades and tints, complementary colors and more.
Salt Dough Rainbow. To make salt dough, combine ¼ cup salt, ½ cup flour, and 3-4 tablespoons of water. Knead with your hands, and add food coloring for dye. It’s very fun to experiment with color mixing by making primary colors first, and then kneading them together to make green, purple, and orange. Make a rainbow or another work of art, or keep to use as play dough!
I wrote this article a while back, and it happens to include a list of easy art projects, almost all of which incorporate rainbows or provide the opportunity to tie in color theory. Make a sidewalk chalk mural, learn how to weave using a paper plate, paint rocks to spread love, and more.
For more rainbow-themed art, science, and cooking activities, plus diverse book recommendations, head to my Rainbow Pinterest page.
S T E M (science. technology. engineering. math.) & S E N S O R Y
The existence of rainbows is a scientific phenomenon, so learning how that works through the use of light, water, and/or color is a great place to start. My hope, as this resource evolves, is to add a “history” section with a list of Black and LGBTQ artists, scientists, and other academic leaders.
Walking Rainbow. My kids loved this one so much, it lived on our kitchen counter for days on end. You just need six mason jars filled with water, paper towels, and food coloring. Then, sit back and watch the magic happen!
Rainbow Ice Painting. This is probably in my top five favorite activities of all time, and we’ve now done it at least twice. Fill a plastic storage bin (on the larger side) with water and freeze overnight. Place the ice block on a plate, pour salt on the ice and observe craters beginning to form. Then, “paint” with food coloring or watercolors! The mixing action has a stunning visual effect. We’ve also done this by filling balloons with water to make “globes” of ice. So cool!
Hidden Colors. One of Busy Toddler’s gems, this one is always a hit. Using a muffin tin, put a few drops of food coloring into each cup, scoop a spoonful of baking soda over each one to “hide” the color. Using a syringe (or whatever you’ve got) pour vinegar into the cups one at a time to see which colors emerge!
Colorful Rain Clouds. A lesson in evaporation and how rain clouds are formed, doubling as a beautiful visual aid. Plus, kids will love the sensory exploration as they use shaving cream for this experiment.
Color Sorting. Great for toddlers and preschoolers, this is an opportunity for categorizing and counting, and you can use pretty much anything you’ve got. Fruit loops, pom poms, miniature toys are all great options. Kids can sort them using a muffin tin, and count and write down amounts for an extra challenge.
Rainbow Jar. A rainbow of liquid layers! This one is a bit tricky- I recommend a medicine dropper over a spoon for pouring layers, and just remember that “slow and steady wins the race.” Even if it doesn’t come out perfect (like ours), this is a great lesson in density vs. buoyancy. When you’re done, drop tiny objects of different weights to compare density in the various liquids.
C O O K I N G
Rainbow eating can be a fun adventure and great learning experience. This is a great opportunity to try some new foods, learn about nutrients provided from fresh-grown, colorful foods, and have fun creating beautiful, artful dishes.
Rainbow Pizza. A pretty way to get your kids to eat their veggies? That’s a win in my book. This cauliflower crust pizza looks delicious. Or, if you’re looking for a treat, bake a giant sugar cookie, use vanilla frosting as the “sauce,” and top with fruit in rainbow order. Soooo yummy.
More treats! Try any one of these sweet, rainbow creations and your kids will love you forever and ever. The fruit pops look delicious!
Eat the colors of the rainbow every day! What kid doesn’t love a taste test? This could be a fun opportunity to take a trip to the local fruit stand or farmer’s market and involve your child in selecting the groceries. Chop up a variety of fresh foods for each color of the rainbow, and sample away! Learn about the different nutrients that colorful foods provide, and teach your kids that there is plenty of choice when it comes to healthy eating!
A C T I V I S M
Teach your kids about activism, right at home! You don’t have to march in the streets to let your voice be heard. Two big aspects of activism involve educating yourself and LISTENING. Make a poster to put in your window showing support of LGBTQ rights, make sure the toys and books in your home don’t represent stereotypes, or start a conversation.
- I love this list of ways to be an “Activist Mama,” such as by teaching kids the difference between charity and justice and volunteering with your child through their school.
- Make posters! This week, we used crayon and markers to make Black Lives Matter, Equal Rights For All, and VOTE signs, each with a brightly colored rainbow background. We participated in two peaceful protests near our neighborhood and then put the art in our front window to spread love to passerbys.
- Write letters! Find a cause close to home, or across the globe, that you’re kids are passionate about and help them write letters to government officials asking for change.
- If you are able, share information about non-profits and organizations that support the Black community (try this list) with your kids, and have them pick a couple to donate to or volunteer at. Also, learn which businesses in your area are minority-owned, and make an effort to support them.
- Invite your kids to help you rally the troops and help you organize a local peaceful demonstration, or make care packages for protestors in your area.
One thing I’m learning through all of this as a parent is that (most of) our hearts are in the right place, and we’re all just trying to do right by our kids. Judging one another for how we are processing world events or how we are choosing to show our support is counterproductive. I need to remind myself of this multiple times a day. Modeling love and acceptance, valuing human rights and global health, and educating ourselves are, I believe, the paths to showing our kids through this storm. And here’s hoping we can all come together, learn from this incredibly challenging and provoking year and come out stronger… (dare I say it?) Somewhere over the Rainbow. 😉
