One of my favorite spring activities is making treasures at the end of the rainbow (and it helps kids develop assurance and confidence that will support their kindergarten readiness). Children’s faces light up with bright smiles that show how good it feels. To do this, kids need to know the tradition that at the end of a rainbow, we find treasure.
An easy and fun activity, cut out a big circle on a piece of paper and have your child color his or her face. Your child can do this independently or you can help a little if needed. Sometimes kids enjoy checking in a mirror to see the color of their eyes and hair. (They might have changed since the last time they looked.)
Next, turn the paper over, fold it in half and let your child color or paint 2 rainbows, one on each half. Now, hold the rainbow ‘sandwich’ in your hand and ask you child what we find at the end of a rainbow. As your little one says “Treasure”, you open the rainbow and say “And here is the treasure, it’s YOU!”
It may take a minute, and you may need to repeat it, but when kids understand THEY are the treasure, their faces will grow a huge smile. Feeling loved is the best readiness foundation to cope with all that life brings, and that’s a treasure.
