Learn how to draw a rainbow for kids with this simple tutorial and free printable rainbow template. You will also learn a few things about rainbows.
What is it with little kids and wanting to draw rainbows? My daughter especially has an affinity towards them. Rainbows are colorful, beautiful and have an underlying meaning of hope and better things to come.
What is a rainbow?
National Geographic says “A rainbow is a multicolored arc made by light striking water droplets.”
How many different types of rainbows are there?
Scientists have concluded that there are 12 different types of rainbows based on whether all colors are visible, whether they have a strong Alexander’s band, and whether there are supernumerary bows.
So what does this mean to a child? This means that every rainbow can look a wee bit different. There can be multiple rainbows at once, different shades of the colors of a rainbow and more!
That being said, all rainbows have a few things in common; mainly their colors.
What are the colors of a rainbow?
The official rainbow colors are as follows:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Indigo
- Violet
Most children know these colors by the acronym ROYGBIV. This means that every rainbow will always have these seven colors in this same order. The red is always on top and the violet is always on the bottom.
Rainbows are seen mostly on sunny, rainy days. I know that sounds like an oxymoron but I’m talking about those days where there is a slight (or misty) rain and the sun starts peaking through the clouds.
They will always appear opposite the side of the sun so when looking for a rainbow tell your kids to turn their back to the sun.
How to draw rainbow for kids
Drawing a rainbow is super simple. You can make it easy for young children with this free rainbow template attached below.
Before you begin showing them how to draw one, you need to explain the different colors and the order that they need to be drawn in.
Below is a simple video on how to draw a rainbow with the rainbow template.
Rainbows make great learning crafts too. You can see where we previously created a walking rainbow science experiment and shared about capillary action.
Is there really a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow?
In old folktales, leprechauns were said to hide their gold at the end of a rainbow. Science tells us that rainbows do not have an end since their arch shape is an illusion.
Ever tried to chase a rainbow and find it?
It can be frustrating because they appear to “move” when you get closer to them. Once again, just an old folktale.
Enough about that, how about that free template!
Free Printable Template for a Rainbow
Above you will find the free rainbow template to trace from. This is a great tool for younger kids who are just learning to draw.
I hope this simple tutorial with a few lessons has helped you learn more about rainbows!