Shapes & colors · Challenge 1
Color flashcards
Ten bold color cards for naming, sorting and finding familiar objects, with clear labels for grown-ups.
2–3 · 3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Picture cards · Free printable
Color mixing play pack
This is a little experiment, with room for surprises. Use the color cards to choose paints, predict what might happen and talk about the result. Different paints make different shades, so the aim is to observe and describe rather than reproduce a perfect color wheel.
Take a little peek7 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
Practice predicting, testing and comparing while exploring how familiar paint colors can mix.
A little way to play
- An adult sets out washable paint, a protected surface and separate brushes or mixing tools. Use products suitable for the child.
- Choose two colors, show their cards and ask what your child thinks the mixture might look like.
- Mix a small amount of each on a separate surface. Put the mixture next to its closest color card.
- Try changing the amounts. Describe the new mixture and leave a small painted sample on spare paper.
Make it easier
Offer just yellow and blue and make one mixture together. Your child can choose, watch or describe rather than handle the paint.
Try a little moreMake two samples using the same colors but different proportions. Once dry, compare them in the same light and invent a descriptive name for each.
For the grown-up
Use paint, not coloured light, for this activity. Red, yellow and blue classroom paints often give orange, green and purple mixtures, but pigment choice can produce duller results. Keep paint away from mouths and follow its label.
Answers & naming help
Typical paint observations: red plus yellow can make orange; yellow plus blue can make green; blue plus red can make purple. More white usually lightens a mixture. Your observed shade is the answer, even when it differs from the card.
red · orange · yellow · green · blue · purple · 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; color-name cards still need their color to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Helpful parent guides
Keep the discoveries going.
More shapes & colors ↗Shapes & colors · Challenge 1
Color scavenger hunt
A flexible color 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
Days & weather · Challenge 1
Weather cards
Six weather pictures for looking outside, naming what you notice and keeping a simple daily observation.
2–3 · 3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity