Are you looking for a creative and easy art project that is perfect for preschoolers? We’ve got you covered! Our Paper Rainbow Craft is a fun way to develop finger strength, fine motor skills, and color recognition. With just a few simple craft supplies and our free rainbow template, you’ll be creating your own colorful paper rainbows in no time. So grab your construction paper, scissors, and glue, and let’s get ready to make something magical!
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Fun Rainbow Craft
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to add a splash of color to your classroom or home. What better way to do that than with a fun and festive rainbow craft?
Rainbows are often associated with St. Patrick’s Day due to the connection with leprechauns and the legend of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in Irish folklore, so this craft is a great way to celebrate.
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Craft Materials Needed
This simple craft idea is perfect for rainbow lovers! Before you start, make sure you have all the right supplies:
- Rainbow Paper Craft Template
- Construction paper or colored cardstock in every color of the rainbow
- White school glue or glue stick
- Scissors
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the video below to be walked through every step of this craft.
Torn Paper Rainbow Craft Directions
STEP 1: Download and print the Rainbow Template. After downloading the free template, print it on white paper or cardstock. Each child will need one copy.
STEP 2: Tear the rainbow colors. Invite your child to tear pieces of construction paper in all the colors of the rainbow. Tearing paper helps children develop finger strength by engaging their fine motor skills. This activity requires coordination, hand-eye synchronization, and bilateral coordination, all of which contribute to strengthening the muscles in their hands and fingers. Through the repetitive action of tearing paper, children build endurance and dexterity, essential for tasks like writing and drawing.
We sorted each torn paper strip by color into a plastic muffin tin. These sorting cups would work well for table groups!
STEP 3: Cut out the template. Use scissors to cut out the rainbow pattern.
STEP 3: Glue down the torn paper squares. Starting with red, glue down each shape in rainbow order. The amount of paper needed may vary depending on the size of the torn pieces.
STEP 4: Your craft is finished! Kids will enjoy showing off their fun rainbow project to friends and family. What a great way to spend quality time with kids and learn about beautiful colors!
Take it Further
Looking for extension ideas? Try some of these:
- Make this craft for Mother’s Day or Grandparent’s Day.
- Offer this craft as a make-and-take at your community library or nature center program.
- Pair this craft with a book about rainbows. We like A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman.
- This craft isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy it during the spring and summer months too!
- Use this craft to decorate your March bulletin board.
- Cut out a cloud shape with your pair of scissors and white construction paper. Trace it to make a second cloud. Glue cotton balls on the clouds then attach them to rainbow!
- Learn about the science of rainbows.
- Search for a real rainbow on a rainy day!
- This is the perfect craft to turn into a garland.
- Glue a loop of string to the back to turn this craft into an ornament.
More St. Patrick’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids
Looking for more great ideas? These easy crafts are fun for kids of all ages.
- St. Patrick’s Day Hedgehog Craft
- Popsicle Stick Leprechaun Hat
- Fused Bead Rainbow Suncatcher
- Tissue Paper Shamrock Craft
- Leprechaun Macrame Gnomes
- Shamrock Wreath
Save This Craft
Save this great project on Pinterest using the image below and make sure you are following along for the best rainbow crafts!
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