Rainbow Chain Craftivity
What will you get at the end of a rainbow? The letter “W”!
While there will always be a “w” at the end of “rainbow”, legend also has it that you may find a pot of gold at the end of one, too!
We’re chatting all things green, luck, leprechauns, and gold this week in speech therapy. What better way to celebrate this colorful holiday than with a Rainbow Chain? Keep reading for how we incorporate speech and language skills into this craftivity below!
Items Needed:
Construction Paper
Scissors
Stapler or glue stick
Writing Utensil (optional)
Festive shamrock stickers
Steps
First, have your child cut out long, thin strips of the construction paper. This will make the chain to your rainbow ring.
Speech and Language Tip: Work on following directions during this step. Depending on your child’s needs, see below for examples of directions with increased difficulty:
1-step directions:
1-step direction: “Cut the paper”
1-step direction with 1 detail: “Cut out two strips of paper”
1-step direction with 2-3 details: “Cut out two yellow strips of paper”
2-step directions:
2-step direction: “Get the scissors and cut the paper”
2-step direction with details: “Get the blue scissors and cut the yellow paper”
Multi-step directions:
“Get the scissors, cut the paper into strips, and put the strips on the table”.
2. Next, print and cut out a “pot of gold” picture. Encourage your child’s creativity by decorating the image- think markers, festive stickers, you name it!
Speech and Language Tip: Once your child has decorated their “pot of gold”, have them describe it to you. Challenge them to be specific with their vocabulary and terminology. For example, instead of saying “I put it there.” encourage details like “I put the big green sticker in the middle!” or “I used 4 sparkly stickers on the top of the pot!”.
3. Begin to make the rainbow rings. Adhere them together with a stapler or glue.
Speech and Language Tip: Before making the rainbow rings, have your child work on a speech, spelling, or language task!
To target speech sounds: Write your child’s target speech word on each ring. For example, if they’re working on their “s” sound, write a word that starts with “s” on each ring. Model the word for your child and have them repeat it after you. Have your child practice the word again once more before adhering the next rainbow chain to it.
To target spelling: Have your child write a spelling word on each ring within the chain! This way, they get some extra practice with their words for the week. The more words they practice spelling, the longer their chain will be!
For language practice: Have your child write a sentence about the upcoming holiday on the construction paper. You could also provide your child with a target word and encourage them to use it in their written sentence.
4. Display your child’s craft for all to see!
Looking for additional ways to celebrate the holiday? See more recommendations below!
Check out some of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day books here.
Visit this post for another colorful holiday craft!
Make a themed sensory bin. Fill it with dried black beans, green rice (learn how to make colored rice here), gold coins, green toys and more!
Be sure to follow us on instagram at @owlstherapy for educational posts, crafts and activities, and current things we’re up to!
May the luck of the Irish always be with you! Wishing you a wonderful holiday-
The Team at OWLS Therapy