Mix a New Colour
What you need
- two pots of paint, blue and yellow (then red and yellow)
- a sheet of paper
- an old shirt or apron
How to do it
- Put a blob of blue and a blob of yellow on the paper, side by side.
- Ask what colour they think will appear if the two blobs meet.
- Let them swirl the blobs together with a finger or brush and watch green appear.
- Try red and yellow next, then let them paint with the new colours.
Why it matters
Watching two colours turn into a third is a small bit of magic they made happen with their own finger.
What they're learning
- Colour names
- Blue, yellow and the new green all get named as they appear.
- Guessing then checking
- Saying what might happen, then seeing what does, is how finding out works.
- Finger control
- Swirling just where the blobs meet takes a steady finger.
What to look for
Notice them trying it again on their own with a different pair of colours.
A tip
Use only the two colours you're mixing so the green stays green. Washable children's paint wipes off hands and tables.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: just one pair, blue and yellow, and lots of swirling
Harder: add a dab of white to make a colour lighter, or ask them to make the green 'more blue'
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Fine motor activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with paper