Kids learn best through play. The simplest things can sometimes be the most effective. This rainbow playdough colour and counting game is an example of just that. 
This is easy to set up, inexpensive, and yet covers several important concepts for preschoolers. It’s fun and engaging, so they don’t even realize that they’re learning as they play. Using some of the same supplies, you can also create the Rainbow Playdough Fine Motor Activity.
By participating in this sensory activity, children can practise counting and colour sorting. They can also learn the order of the colours in the rainbow. This may expand into them exploring the science of how rainbows are formed. 
Rainbow Playdough Colour and Counting Game:
Supplies:
- playdough in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple*
- assorted colours of buttons
- dice
- colour block dice
*You can purchase Play Doh in the assorted colours or make your own. If you can’t find indigo coloured playdough, you can mix blue and purple in equal proportions.
Directions:
- Invite your child to roll each colour of the playdough into long ropes.
- After the ropes have been formed, encourage your child to arrange them in the order of the colours of the rainbow.
- Set out a colour block dice and a regular dice along with buttons of assorted colours.
- Have them roll both dice.
- Invite your child to press the number and colour of buttons indicated by the dice into the rainbow. For example, if your child rolls a red on the colour block dice and a number 3, they should add 3 red buttons to the red section of the rainbow.
- If playing with two players, take turns.
Sensory and Learning Opportunities:
Sensory – The game provides visual, tactile, and proprioception sensory input.
Communication – As children discuss their rolls, talk about colours, and ask about the colour placement in the rainbow, they expand their vocabulary and their communication skills.
Fine motor – Rolling out the playdough and placing it into order, picking up the small buttons and placing them on the proper colour, and picking up the dice all require fine motor skills, particularly placing the buttons on the corresponding colour.
Math – Kids can practise their counting skills using both the dice and the math manipulatives (buttons).
Science – You can use this activity as part of a rainbow unit study in a preschool or homeschool. If children want to expand their interest in how rainbows are made, they can explore using books or watching videos online.
Light: Shadows, Mirrors, and Rainbows
Chasing RainbowsRainbow In My Room Night Light ProjectorGrimm’s Rainbow Wooden Nesting PuzzleRainbowHow the Crayons Saved the Rainbow
You may be interested in these other preschool activities:
Rainbow Playdough Fine Motor Activity
