We have been learning the letter “Rr” and chose the theme of Rainbows. It’s a great theme, fun for the kids and easy to do.
Our Rainbow Sensory Bin:
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I used foam packing peanuts, sensory balls, sponges, plastic ice cubes (the nice thing about these is that you can also have the option of freezing them first to add another sensory element), beads, pom poms, clips, a blue moon, feathers, a cup, a bath sponge, a squish ball, a bow, and a few toys.
Some activity sheets:
I printed the colour by number sheet and the “Rr is for Rainbow” sheet from Confessions of a Homeschooler. The other sheet I found here and I printed two sets for each of the kids. They used one sheet with Fruit Loops. Some of them chose to eat the cereal after while others chose to glue them on. The other sheet they completed with bingo dabbers. The kids also did a lot of rainbow colouring sheets.
Books we used:
We have long loved I Love You More Than Rainbows and I used Noah’s Ark to incorporate how rainbows are a reminder that God keeps his promises. The kids also watched the movie The Story of Noah.
Science:
Here is the link to the idea we used on how to make your own rainbow.
Party:
But of course, the highlight of Rainbow week was having a Rainbow Party! We used the theme to celebrate the end of the homeschool year (even though we are going to be schooling year-round this year). There were 29 kids here with their moms…loud and messy, but so much fun!!!
My girls helped me make these treat bags to hand out to the party guests. I got the idea here. So simple, but super cute!
The kids made paper chains and strung them all over the house to use as our decorations.
The food was a very colourful array. I tried to think of as many edible rainbow things as I could.
Making the layered jello cups took a lot longer than I anticipated, so I’m glad I got a picture, because it’s unlikely that I’ll ever make them again! If I did though, I would make them in smaller plastic cups or make them in a sheet pan and cut them into squares.
For crafts, I let imagination be the key. I put out paint, paintbrushes, clay, foam hands, coloured beads, scissors, glue, paper, bright feathers, markers, colouring sheets, paper, and markers. I also put out a bowl of Fruit Loops and string licorice and the kids made necklaces and bracelets with them, but I didn’t get any pictures of that.
The decorate-your-own-cupcake area was popular, as evidenced from the expression on Dancing Queen’s face. Miss Optimism made vanilla cupcakes and added sprinkles before she cooked them so they had a bit of a rainbow on them. We set out four colours of icing, more sprinkles, and lots of candy for the kids to add.
If you are looking for information on making sensory bins, you may be interested in my book. 
What a wonderful party. I am glad there was some joy in your very difficult week.
Blessings, Dawn
What an amazing party! I have never seen so many rainbow creations! What wonderful ideas! I may just have to “borrow” some of your ideas. 🙂
I am so sorry that your children had to witness something like that. I will pray for their healing, as well as your daughter feeling better soon.
Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. Many blessings to you and your family!
Oh my GOSH! We did a rainbow-themed week too! How cool! I wish we would’ve done a fun party like you guys did…looks awesome!
Come check out our week!
http://sunnysweetlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/rainbow-week-fun-part-2.html
What a wonderful party. Those rainbow jellies look fantastic.
I am sorry to read about your traumatic stay in the hospital but I am pleased that Miss O is on the mend.
Thanks for visiting my blog and I look forward to your next post on Pinterest.
What an amazing rainbow week!
I hope your daughter is recovering well:)
Prayers for you all- for peace, comfort, strength, and grace!
Love those rainbows!!! What a perfect reminder of God’s promise during your time of turmoil. I’m so sorry about your daughter and the trauma that you incurred. Praying!!
I am so sorry the hospital stay didn’t go well. I love all of the wonderful treats and activities you did.
Thank you so much for linking to Read.Explore.Learn.
What a fantastic job you did with the rainbow-themed party! You are very creative. 🙂
So sorry about the difficult hospital circumstances. 🙁
This is my favorite theme of yours so far!!! SOOOO awesome!! You are the rock-star party planner! Amazing memories for your kids!!!
How fun! Just wanted to invite you to stop by and link up your Children Book inspired post (New or Old) in our 6 Week Summer Reading Adventure http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/2012/06/12/summer-reading-adventure-week-1-tickle-monster/.
Have a great week!
Mari
http://www.inspiredbyfamilymag.com
TOTALLY loving the rainbow party; in fact, I saved the bookmark and am going to find an excuse to have a rainbow party of our own. Despite my deep aversion to packing themed school lunches, I am a complete sucker for theme parties. I can’t wait to do some of these things!
Have been praying for Miss O; do keep us posted on how she’s doing. <3