Colors Theme for Children Under 2

In this post, I share some personal experiences that relate to my daughter’s growth and development, but they are just that; experiences! Please don’t compare your children to anyone else. All children learn and grow at their own unique pace. If you have any concerns with your children’s development, please consult your child’s pediatrician.

This March, Mae and I completed a unit solely focused on colors. When choosing themes for young toddlers, it’s always better to pick themes that relate to what the children observe in the world around them. I find colors a perfect topic for our young toddlers to learn about. It helps children to learn how to describe their environment and communicate more about what they experience. I planned many art activities for this topic, so it’s perfect for kiddos who love to create.

Activity Ideas for Colors Theme for Young Toddlers

1.Put Red on Your Head Song

For this activity, I would sing this song using our colored scarves and put the corresponding color to the verse of the song we were singing where the lyrics stated. You do not need to purchase colored scarves for this activity. You can use scrap fabric, clothes, or colored blocks to act out the song’s verses. This activity helps children learn colors in a fun, interactive way. Singing to children also develops an early understanding of rhyming.

2.Color Days

Throughout the month, I scheduled days dedicated to a specific color. For example, let’s say the color of the day was red. Mae and I would wear as much red as possible (depending on what we already owned.) Then, I would gather red items in our home to make a monochrome tray to explore together. Then, I would have her create art with red markers, crayons, paint, and any red art supplies I could think of. Working with one color at a time allows children to get familiar with that color without being too overwhelmed by all the other colors.

3.Rainbow Rice

Rainbow rice is one of my favorite sensory fillers because it is non-toxic and safe for our youngest explorers. It is easy to make and is even easier to clean up. I make rainbow rice by putting the desired quantity of rice in a sandwich bag, mixing food coloring, and shaking thoroughly. After the rice is the color I want, I lay it on a tray for a few hours to dry. Then, it is ready to be played with! I gave her a big spoon to practice mixing and some coffee creamer pitchers to practice scooping and pouring. Using these tools allows young children to practice essential life skills and helps them develop their coordination skills. It also allows them to strengthen those little muscles in their hands necessary for writing.

4.Ice Painting

Freeze some watercolor paint (I used a muffin tin and popsicle sticks to help Mae have something to grab onto). Then, let your child paint with the ice and mix the colors on paper. (I recommend cardstock because it is thicker and more durable.) This is a wonderful activity to do with children as they experiment and mix the colors. Try describing what they are doing, for example, “Wow! You are mixing red and yellow, and look, you are making orange!”

5.Window Paint

I got this free washable window paint recipe from WASHABLE WINDOW PAINT (mothercould.com). At first, I was skeptical about whether it would be washable. The recipe contained food coloring, and I’ve definitely stained my clothes and furniture with food coloring before. Surprisingly, this paint did not stain my daughter’s white shirt or the white frame around our windows. I give this activity a 10/10. It was a fun way to get outside and be creative. Mae loved it, and we spent about 30 extra minutes outside enjoying this activity.

This is a before-and-after photo of our windows after leaving the paint on for about a week in the hot Arizona sun. Most of it washed off with a gentle rinse, and I got out the rest using a washcloth.

6.Play with Chalk

I will always believe that the simplest, most overlooked activities that we do with our children can be the most beneficial. Playing with chalk is a great sensory experience for young children. It allows them to express themselves artistically while experiencing an array of different textures. Don’t be afraid to sit down and color with them. It can be a beautiful opportunity to bond with your children.

7.Search for the Colors in the Baking Soda

I got this idea from @emrald_outlaw on TikTok. First, bury drops of food coloring in baking soda in a small plastic box. Then, using coffee creamer pitchers and pipets, add vinegar to the mix and unearth the colors under the baking soda. Mae loved mixing the mixture after the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar occurred.

Mae Loved these activities so much. How did your children enjoy these activities? Let me know in the comments bellow!