Paper Plate Rainbow Craft for Kids
This cheerful rainbow is a favorite for preschool and early elementary classrooms. Children practice cutting, color order and fine motor skills, and the finished rainbows look lovely hanging in a window.
Published · 1 min read
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Crafting time
- 30 minutes
- Estimated cost
- Under $5
Table of contents
Teaching moment
Use the craft to introduce the order of rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. A simple way to remember it is to point to each band while saying the color out loud.
Prep for groups
Cut the plates in half ahead of time and pre-sort crayons or paint so each child has a full set.
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Materials and supplies
Tick items off as you gather them.
tools you'll need
- Child-safe scissors
- Paintbrushes (if painting)
let's make it!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Cut the plate in half
Cut a paper plate in half, then cut out a small semicircle from the middle of the flat edge. You'll have an arch shape.
Step 2: Color the bands
Starting from the outside edge, color or paint six bands: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
Step 3: Add the clouds
Squeeze glue on both ends of the arch and press on two or three cotton balls each. Fluff them out a little.
Step 4: Hang it up
Tape lengths of ribbon or yarn to the bottom so they hang down like rain, then punch a hole at the top for hanging.
pro tips!
Helpful craft tips
- Paint dries faster on uncoated paper plates.
- Let younger kids tear tissue paper squares and glue them on instead of coloring.
Variations to try
- Weather mobile: hang a sun and raindrops below the rainbow.
- Name rainbow: write each letter of the child's name on a hanging ribbon.
Safety tips
Supervise scissors use. Cotton balls can be a choking hazard for children under 3.
Frequently asked questions
What age is this rainbow craft for?
It works well for ages 3–7. Younger children may need an adult to cut the plate.
Can we use paint instead of crayons?
Yes. Washable tempera paint gives bold colors. Allow about 20 minutes of drying time before adding the cotton balls.
Keep crafting
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