Shapes & colours
Colour scavenger hunt
A flexible colour hunt for the living room, classroom or outdoors. Point to a find or bring back a safe object.
2–3 · 3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Picture cards · Free printable
Colour flashcards
Colours are easier to talk about when there is something real to compare. Show one swatch, name it, then find a toy or item of clothing that looks similar. The ten cards can be used on screen with an adult or printed as a small set for everyday play.
Take a little peek10 items · Original illustrations
red
orange
yellow
green
blue
purple
Big clear pictures. Labels you can reveal.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Connect colour words with examples while noticing that one colour can have many different shades.
A little way to play
- Begin with two contrasting colours. Say “This one is blue” and point to something else that is blue.
- Invite your child to point to a named colour before asking them to recall its name.
- Choose a few safe objects and sort them beside the closest colour card. An object can belong beside more than one.
- Take turns choosing a card. Let your child give you a colour to find, too.
Make it easier
Keep one card visible and compare two objects with it. Say the colour name as part of a normal sentence instead of asking repeated questions.
Try a little moreFind a lighter and a darker example of the same colour. Ask whether a patterned sock could go in two groups and invite an explanation.
For the grown-up
Screen settings and printers change colour appearance. Avoid treating a subtle shade difference as a wrong answer. Keep spoken labels available and offer shape or texture sorting if colour distinctions are difficult.
Answers & naming help
The cards are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, black and white. Real objects may have several colours; more than one sensible match can be correct.
red · orange · yellow · green · blue · purple · pink · brown · black · white
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Helpful parent guides
Keep the discoveries going.
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Colour mixing play pack
Make predictions, mix small amounts of paint and compare the colours you actually create.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Shapes & colours
First shapes flashcards
Eight clear shape cards to show, name and print, with hidden labels and a simple answer guide for adults.
2–3 · 3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity