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March 16, 2015

Rainbow Math Hunt

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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

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.)

rainbow circles

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.

rainbow math hunt

 

Add the 2 numbers together. Find that many rainbow circles of the color rolled.

collecting colors

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.

About Trisha Stanley

Trisha is an educator with a passion for science literacy and mom to Aiden and Lily. She's the creator of Inspiration Laboratories, a blog dedicated to encouraging learning through creativity and play, and Read Science, a blog that showcases science activities inspired by children's books.

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