Color Mixing Fun: Creating New Colors With Finger Paint

 

Lesson 237 • By Debbie Haren (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Preschool

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Explore how primary colors mix to create secondary colors.
  • Experiment with color blending using their fingers.
  • Develop sensory awareness and fine-motor skills.
  • Create an original painting using mixed and unmixed colors.
  • Use vocabulary to describe color changes.

Materials

  • Finger paint in red, yellow, blue, and green
  • Paper plates (one per color-mix set per child)
  • Large paper sheets for painting at an easel or table
  • Smocks or aprons
  • Wet wipes or a sink for hand washing
  • Optional: chart paper for documenting color discoveries

Introduction (Circle Time)

Show children the primary colors (red, yellow, blue).
Ask:

  • “What do you think will happen if we mix these two colors?”
  • “Have you ever seen colors change before?”

Explain:

“Today we’re going to be scientists and artists — we will mix colors to see what new colors we can make!”

Step-by-Step Activity

1. Prepare the Paint Plates

Put a small spoonful of two different colors on each child’s paper plate, such as:

  • Red + Yellow
  • Yellow + Blue
  • Blue + Red

Use separate plates for each color combination.

2. Finger Mix the Paint

Invite children to dip a finger in each color, then swirl until the colors blend.

Ask:

  • “What color do you see now?”
  • “How did it change?”
  • “Is the new color darker or lighter?”

Expected results:

  • Red + Yellow → Orange
  • Yellow + Blue → Green
  • Blue + Red → Purple

Encourage children to try slow mixing vs. fast mixing and notice texture changes too.

3. Compare + Observe

Have the children place each plate in front of them after mixing.
Discuss:

  • “Which new color do you like the most?”
  • “Did any mixture surprise you?”

4. Create a Finger-Paint Picture

After experimenting:

  • Give each child a large sheet of paper on the easel or table.
  • Encourage them to use all the colors — both original and mixed — to make their own colorful artwork.

Prompts:

  • “What shapes or swirls can you make?”
  • “Can you make a rainbow or a design with your mixed colors?”

Classroom Color Chart (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Make a simple chart on the wall:

Color + Color New Color
Red + Yellow Orange
Yellow + Blue Green
Blue + Red Purple

Children can add paint samples or fingerprints to the chart as each mixture is discovered.

This reinforces science, math comparison, and literacy (color word recognition).

✨ Extension Activities

1. Play “Color Guessing Game”

Hold up two paint jars and ask students to guess the new color before mixing.

2. Sensory Bags

Put two colors of finger paint in a sealed zipper bag.
Children squish the paint inside without the mess!

3. Nature Tie-In

Show natural examples of mixed colors—like leaves (yellow + green), sunsets (orange + pink), or art.

4. Color Mixing Song

Sing to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”

Red and yellow, red and yellow,
Make orange, make orange…

Continue with other color mixes.

Cleanup Tips

  • Have a hand-washing station ready.
  • Keep wipes near every table.
  • Use smocks to protect clothing.
  • Lay paintings to dry on a newspaper-covered table.

Assessment

Check whether each child can:

  • Mix colors independently
  • Name the new color they created
  • Use vocabulary like “mix,” “change,” “red,” “green,” etc.
  • Create a finger-paint design using multiple colors

 

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