Primary Colors and Finger Painting 

Grade Level: K-2

Lesson Duration: 30-40 minutes

Objective: Students will learn about primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) and how they mix to create secondary colors (green, orange, and purple) through a fun, hands- on finger painting activity.

Materials Needed:

  • Washable finger paints (red, blue, yellow)

  • White construction paper

  • Paint trays or paper plates

  • Wet wipes/ paper towels for an easy cleanup

Lesson Steps…

  1. Introduction (5-10 minutes)

  • Start with a question: “Who loves colors? Can anyone name their favorite color?”

  • Explain primary colors: Show red, blue, and yellow, and demonstrate how they cannot be made through the mixing of any other colors.

  • Demonstrate: show how new colors can be made through mixing two primary colors (ex: red + yellow = orange).

2. Hands-on Activity (15-20 minutes)

  • Distribute paper and paints to each student.

  • Encourage exploration: let students explore with paint and create their own colors with the primary paints

  • Challenge: ask them to try mixing colors with their fingers; what new colors can they make? Specify which colors you want them to try to make.

  • Make connections: “What happens when red and blue mix? What about yellow and blue?”

3. Reflection and Cleanup (5-10 minutes)

  • Gallery Walk: Have students walk around and admire their peers’ work.

  • Discussion: Ask, “What was your favorite part? What new colors did you discover?”

  • Cleanup: Show students how to properly clean their workplace and hands.

Assessment and Learning Outcomes

  • Students can identify primary colors

  • Students practice fine motor skills through finger painting.

  • Students can express creativity and confidence through making art