Primary Colors Lesson Plan for Kindergarten

ByTeaching Resources Desk Kindergarten
Color mixing and primary paints tutorial

This free colors lesson plan introduces kindergarten learners to recognizing, sorting, and mixing colors through hands-on activities. Students explore primary colors, create new colors, and use them in simple art and classroom investigations.

Grade Band: Early Primary (K–1)
Subject Area: Art

Overview

Young children learn best through direct experience. In this lesson, students identify common colors in their environment, sort classroom objects, and experiment with mixing primary colors to create new ones. The lesson gradually moves from recognition to application, ending with students creating their own color-based artwork.

Subject Connections

Students develop vocabulary through speaking and listening when naming colors and describing their artwork. Early math skills are practiced through sorting and classification. Fine motor development is supported through painting and drawing activities.

Learning Goals

  • Recognize and name common colors
  • Identify primary colors: red, yellow, and blue
  • Create secondary colors by mixing paints
  • Sort and classify objects by color
  • Use colors intentionally in drawings

Materials

  • Construction paper in multiple colors
  • Washable tempera or finger paints (red, yellow, blue)
  • Paintbrushes and water cups
  • Paper plates or paint trays
  • Classroom objects or toys in various colors
  • Crayons or markers
  • Chart paper or whiteboard
  • Paper towels

Preparation

  • Set up a table with paint supplies covered for easy cleanup
  • Collect classroom objects of many different colors
  • Create three color labels: red, yellow, and blue
  • Prepare drying space for artwork

Teaching Procedure

Each session fits a standard class period of about 30–40 minutes.

Session 1 – Discovering Colors Around Us

  1. The teacher shows classroom items one at a time and asks students to name the color. Students repeat the color name aloud and point to similar colors in the room.
  2. Activity: The teacher tells students they are “color detectives.” Using classroom objects placed around the room (blocks, books, paper, toys), students walk carefully around the classroom to find items matching a called color. Students collect one example and place it beside a matching color card, then explain what they found.
  3. The teacher records student discoveries on chart paper and students draw one object of their favorite color in a notebook or on paper.

Session 2 – Sorting and Classifying

  1. The teacher places a mixed pile of objects on a table and models sorting them into red, yellow, and blue groups.
  2. Students work in small groups to sort classroom objects by color and check each other’s work.
  3. The class reviews the groups and students explain why each item belongs in a specific color group.

Session 3 – Mixing Primary Colors

  1. The teacher introduces the idea that some colors can be made by combining other colors and demonstrates mixing red and yellow paint.
  2. Activity: The teacher gives each student a paper plate, paintbrush, and small amounts of red, yellow, and blue paint. Students carefully mix two colors at a time and observe the change, then paint a sample patch showing the new color they created.
  3. The class names the new colors together and labels them orange, green, and purple on a chart.

Session 4 – Color Art Creation

  1. The teacher asks students to plan a simple drawing using at least three colors they have learned.
  2. Students create a picture using crayons or markers and include at least one mixed color they produced earlier.
  3. Students share their artwork with the class and identify the colors they used.

Assessment

  • Students correctly name basic colors during activities
  • Students sort objects accurately by color
  • Students demonstrate ability to mix primary colors
  • Students intentionally use colors in artwork

Differentiation

  • Provide fewer objects for students who need simpler sorting tasks
  • Allow advanced students to mix three colors and predict results
  • Use larger materials for students needing fine-motor support

Grade Adaptation

Kindergarten students focus on naming colors, sorting objects, and simple paint mixing with teacher guidance. Grade 1 students can record results using labeled drawings and describe how colors were created. Grade 2 students can predict color outcomes before mixing and write short explanations of their results.

Extension Ideas

  • Color walk outside to photograph or draw real-world colors
  • Create a classroom color collage
  • Graph favorite colors and discuss results

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