I love incorporating math into fun activities that kids will love. It’s even better when I can add in some movement. This Rainbow Math Hunt was inspired by the Shamrock Math Race. I created a similar game that practices colors and math. My 5 year old asked to play again and again. I hope you’ll like it, too!
Rainbow Math Hunt
You’ll Need:
- paper in all 6 colors of the rainbow (It’s okay to ignore indigo. There’s some debate on whether or not to include it anyway.)
- circle punch or scissors
- 2 number dice (regular dice with dots)
- 1 color die (We used a die from our LEGO Creationary game and put all 6 colors on it. You can use a number die and tape colored dots on it or have one number represent a color.)
- bowl, basket, or container for carrying the rainbow circles
Use a circle punch to make lots of rainbow dots. Your child can help with this – just be careful of the blade when removing the paper. (If you don’t have a circle punch, just cut paper into squares or whatever shapes your child wants.)
Spread the rainbow circles all over the floor. (You can also hide them, but I wanted to focus on the math part more than the finding dots part.)
Have your child roll all 3 dice.
Add the 2 numbers together. Find that many rainbow circles of the color rolled.
Roll again and keep playing!
Variations:
- Roll only one die and practice counting numbers 1-6.
- Only use the number dice. Call out the color or let your child choose the color.
- Practice adding 3 numbers by using 3 number dice.
- Practice subtraction. Subtract the larger number from the smaller number.
When you are done with the rainbow circles, use them to make some cool rainbow dot art.
More Rainbow Ideas
- Try one of these 15 rainbow scavenger hunts.
- Rainbow car paintings are so much fun!
- Learn how to make a real rainbow with household supplies.
- Go outside and play the rainbow outdoor games for preschool.
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