Rainbow Math Hunt

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.