At Lincoln North Kindergarten, since the beginning of the term, our tamariki have had a great interest and curiosity about rainbows. They wondered how rainbows are created. In order to support their enquiries , kaiako planned to empower and scaffold their learning. We created a colourful rainbow out of cellophane on the window and tamariki loved chasing the reflection of the rainbow on the floor when the sun shone. Their exploration and learning has been empowered through research, pukapuka, waiata, experiments and arts and crafts. We found out that when rainbows form they are a full circle, and when turning your back to the sun you will see the rainbow because the sun reflects off the rain creating a rainbow. Tamariki loved the experiment of colour mixing by using the three primary colours; red, blue and yellow. They were wowed when they saw orange from mixing red and yellow, green from yellow and blue, and purple from red and blue. They also enjoyed singing a waiata called “It’s a rainbow,” and creating rainbow streamers. They were excited to be involved in a wide range of art activities creating their own rainbows.

Tamariki have been expressive with their ideas and very creative, using a variety of mediums in their arts and crafts. It has helped them to develop their working theories for making sense of the natural world. They developed their confidence, imagination and creativity. They have acquired new skills and knowledge on rainbows as well as generating working theories and have developed a positive learner identity.

Tirohia kia marama

Whawhangia kia rangona te ha.

Observe to gain enlightenment.

Participate to feel the essence.