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Colorful Discoveries

This lesson is designed for Preschool to 1st-grade students and introduces them to the exciting world of colors! Students will explore primary colors and discover how they mix to create secondary colors using glue and food coloring. They’ll also dive into the concept of color temperature, learning to identify warm and cool colors through the use of famous artwork paintings. 

Materials Needed for This Lesson: 

Glue 

Food Coloring

Paper Plates 

Cotton Tips 

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Optional Learning Resources:  

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Color Wheel 

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"Mix it Up" Book by Herve Tullet 

Color Paddles ​​​​

Marsden Hartley, Mountains,

no. 19, 1930

Print out of Painting 

Raymond Jonsons Composition 7, Snow, 1928

Why teach color theory? 

Teaching color theory to preschool through 1st-grade students is an engaging way to foster creativity while building foundational art skills. By incorporating hands-on activities, students not only learn to express themselves but also develop critical thinking and observational skills. Here are a few reasons why color theory lessons are essential, supported by the learning objectives from a sample activity:

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1. Understanding Primary Colors
Learning the primary colors—red, yellow, and blue—provides students with the building blocks for understanding the entire color spectrum. By identifying these colors, young learners gain an appreciation for how colors interact and form the basis for more complex artistic creations.

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2. Recognizing Warm and Cool Colors
Sorting colors into warm (reds, oranges, yellows) and cool (blues, greens, purples) categories introduces students to the emotional and sensory impact of color. Activities like creating a warm and cool chart help them connect these concepts to the world around them, deepening their visual and emotional literacy.

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3. Discovering the Magic of Color Mixing
Color mixing is a hands-on way to teach problem-solving and experimentation. When children mix primary colors to create secondary colors, they experience the joy of discovery and gain a deeper understanding of how colors interact. This process fosters curiosity and creativity in their artistic journeys.

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4. Creating a Tangible Art Project
Culminating the lesson with an activity, such as creating a suncatcher using warm and cool colors, allows students to apply their knowledge in a meaningful way. This tangible project not only reinforces learning but also gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

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By teaching color theory through engaging objectives and interactive projects, educators can inspire a lifelong love of art while building essential skills that extend beyond the classroom. Introducing young learners to the world of colors is not just about art; it’s about seeing the world in new and exciting ways.

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Meet Carla Renteria, a traveling art educator serving the DFW area. She holds a Master's in Art from SOAS, University of London. 

Passionate about environmental awareness, Ms. Carla believes artful upcycling can inspire impactful change for climate action. She sees art and yoga as powerful tools for healing - not only ourselves but our Earth as well. 
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